Cliche

Often times we write the way we speak with friends, and the normal American uses many different cliches. Using cliches is a great way to ruin a story. After writing your rough draft go back through your story with a fine tooth comb and see how many you have used.

It's a zoo out there!

Rising tide

The calm before the storm

A cheshire-cat smile

A good Lead

In news journalism or in a press release the Who What When Where Why and How should all be in the lead. The first line of the lead should be a catcher; it should grab the reader's attention and make them want to continue reading the article or story.

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.