You may be assigned the writing of an article for the Herons Glen online magazine about your organization’s event or activity, and you aren’t sure where to start. This article will give beginners, as well as more seasoned writers, some helpful tips.
First you need to gather notes with the who, what, when, where, why, and how of the topic. If you are able to obtain some quotes from organizers or participants about the topic, that can add interest to your article. Once you have assembled all the information:
• Write an opening (lead) sentence for the article designed to grab the reader’s attention. This sentence should provide a preview or teaser for the article, covering the basic facts without lots of elaboration.
• Add sentences/paragraphs with details about your story. Proceeding in chronological order is often the best approach. Elaborating on the who, what, when, where, why, and how will give the reader a clear picture of all aspects of your story.
• Insert several quotes to summarize or emphasize key points of your story.
• Write a closing sentence or paragraph that wraps everything up and/or provides instructions on how to obtain additional information (contact name, phone and/or email, Internet link, etc.). Sometimes a quote can be helpful in the closing.
• Create an informative and engaging headline. Where possible, relate to some key item in the article.
It might be helpful to know that some writers don’t start at the beginning and proceed through these steps as outlined above. Sometimes you can’t figure out how to start, so you can begin in the middle with the details about the story. That often helps you figure out what the opening should be and how to wrap the article up. In some instances, you can write the closing first and work backwards. Different topics and your own mindset may lend themselves to different approaches. Just keep in mind that when you’re done, you should have covered all the items listed above.
After you’ve written your first draft, go back and read it carefully to correct any grammar, spelling, or punctuation errors. Check your article for specific and clear language and avoid using the same words too many times. Be sure you haven’t included any inappropriate biases. Try reading your article aloud to yourself as this can help you identify parts that are unclear or have excessive words or convoluted logic in your sentence structure. You can also ask a friend to review your copy before finalizing and submitting the article.
Some writers like to consult style manuals while writing. Popular ones include The Careful Writer by Theodore Bernstein, The Elements of Style by Strunk & White, Dreyer’s English by Benjamin Dreyer, The Chicago Manual of Style, and The New York Public Library Writer’s Guide to Style & Usage.
Once you’ve submitted your article, don’t be offended if the editor makes revisions or changes. You’re focusing only on your article, while the editor is looking at the newspaper issue in its entirety regarding content, article length, and point of view.
No matter what, don’t let writing intimidate you. Just jump in and get started somewhere. With more experience, the process gets easier and more enjoyable. In fact, as you become a more experienced writer, your articles may deviate from the formula and display more creativity and more of your individual writing personality.
