Deck

Well, that's not exactly what I had in mind.
What I'm talking about is the part of a features story that goes below the headline. It provides more indepth information. The headline will grab the reader. The deck will explain the headline.

What does a good Headline do?

A headline is the attention grabber. The headline should express the most unique element of the story.

Andy Rooney said, "Newspaper men and women who write headlines have a hard job. They have to make sense of a long, complicated story in just eight or ten words."

For his complete commentary go to: http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2008/02/21/60minutes/rooney/main3857661.shtml


Just for fun.
An example of a headline gone bad:

Deaf mute gets new hearing in killing

Metaphor

Explain a situation. Explain a feeling. Explain a sent.

Use a metaphor.

ironic by
ALANIS MORISSETTE
It's like rain on your wedding day
It's a free ride when you've already paid
It's the good advice that you just didn't take
Who would've thought... it figures

Business Letter refresher

Don't forget the all important WIIFM! This should be the unifying thread that runs through the whole letter. When reading your letter they should be continually be reminded about what they would benefit from working with you. If you don't entice them and flirt with their pride and desire for money, you will lose their attention.

Metaphor

Metaphor



My friend describes a part of the world by comparing it to another part of the world.



"I have to pee like a racehorse!"


She has always made me look at the world in a unique way.

Paint a Picture with Words

One of the best ways to spice up a feature story is to add description based on the senses. This transports the reader into the story and allows them to connect with what the characters are feeling.

A sent floating on a breeze. A crisp wind nipping the cheek. The creamy sweet taste of an ice cream cone. The dripping of water on a metal pan.

No, you can't die.

So, why can't you just knock off the lead character and end the story with a grand finally and tragic ending?

Because there has to be purpose. There has to be a redemption that results from the death. The sacrifice must not be in vain and the benefit must be for a worthy and justifiable reason.

Romeo and Juliet ended their story based on the sappy reason that life was not life without the other. The ultimate ending of a tragedy. But, Shakespeare wasn't exactly going for the Classic Hollywood Style.

The whole goal of the protagonist is to overcome the intense struggle against the antagonist. Using death as a last minute escape only relinquishes the power of the struggle over to the antagonist, and gives him the final upper hand.