Writing Tips

- Question leads and questions as transitions in stories are currently banned.

- The pronouns ‘I’ “you” and “we” are currently banned from your stories.

- Watch grammar and syntax. If your sentence has become unmanageable try a) breaking it down into separate sentences, b) removing unnecessary words c) recasting it to make sure it an active rather than passive construction (subject, verb, object).
Consider buying or taking out of the Library: “The Elements of Style”, edited by Strunk and White.

- get rid of extra words and peppering words and phrases. They include: obviously, it would seem, to be sure, apparently. And there are many many more. Note when those words mask the fact that you can't back up your point. (And note the other cases where you must insert a word such as likely, allegedly, or reportedly, to make sure you are on solid ground.)

-Please review the format for quotes and how to set them up.

- Choose simple, clear words in place of long, fancy words. If your sentence sounds like an academic paper, read it over and try to streamline it. Imagine how you would say it if you were explainging the same point to a friend. Don't be afraid to say it out loud. Broadcast journalists often say their sentences before writing them down.

- Avoid putting too many descriptives into your sentence. Often the same effect can be achieved by choosing the right verb.

- Try to choose action verbs.

- Try to write what is concrete rather than what is abstract. Even in a news story that is about a speaker or ideas or research, you can keep it real.

(more to come)