Your story length is 800-900 words (slightly longer than previous assignments, if needed). The deadline is 10 a.m. Friday, April 17.
Your story is of a very unique nature given these highly unusual times. As we’ve discussed, your story will focus on the pandemic as it affects some aspect of your community or family. You all have good story ideas, so trust your news judgment. Tell a great story.
You are allowed to use first person in this story, but are not required to use first person. That said, you should not be the focus of the story. First person will come more from observations and insights, especially if writing about family experiences.
Please be consistent with verb tense throughout your story. Because many of you are writing feature stories, present tense is something to consider throughout. It makes the story feel more immediate.
I am giving you permission to take risks in both your style and form of writing. This is dramatic story telling at an unprecedented moment. Each of your stories has built in emotional elements and tension that you are reporting on, observing and/or experiencing. Use all of your senses in the descriptive passages of your story.
Please remember the fundamentals: a compelling lead; support for your lead; short paragraphs; proper placement of attribution in quotes; accurate punctuation of quotes; conversational language and tone; a strong ending or end quote; keep your opinions out as much as possible.
Each story MUST have a nut graf (fourth or fifth paragraph) that puts your story in a broader context, as we’ve discussed. PUT YOUR NUT GRAF IN BOLD.
Include a photo or two, if possible.
You should have at least three interviews you’ve conducted yourself. You can pull quotes from other published sources; be sure to cite that source — as we’ve discussed.
