Who says a great story has to be long?
By Steve Buttry - August 25, 2007
If you think a great story is a long story, read Bob Baker's latest post at Newsthinking, which praises a fabulous 408-word profile by Gregor McGavin. This doesn't really have any advice about writing, but if you share my passion... » Full Story
If you think a great story is a long story, read Bob Baker's latest post at Newsthinking, which praises a fabulous 408-word profile by Gregor McGavin. This doesn't really have any advice about writing, but if you share my passion... » Full Story
Sensitive but strong coverage of suicide
By Steve Buttry - July 31, 2007
I like lots of things about this piece by Will Doolittle and the stories from the Post-Star in Glens Falls, NY. I like that this little paper didn't shrink from tackling the sensitive subject of suicide. Too many newspapers are... » Full Story
I like lots of things about this piece by Will Doolittle and the stories from the Post-Star in Glens Falls, NY. I like that this little paper didn't shrink from tackling the sensitive subject of suicide. Too many newspapers are... » Full Story
Helpful resources for narrative writers
By Steve Buttry - June 12, 2007
A writer asked me for some resources to help with narrative writing. I started with the four handouts I use for my full-day narrative seminar, which I will present next week in Roanoke, Va., for the Outdoor Writers Association of... » Full Story
A writer asked me for some resources to help with narrative writing. I started with the four handouts I use for my full-day narrative seminar, which I will present next week in Roanoke, Va., for the Outdoor Writers Association of... » Full Story
See what a difference a reporter can make
By Steve Buttry - June 01, 2007
If you get discouraged about this business and don't think a reporter can make a difference (or needs to go to a major metro paper to make a difference), read this AJR story about Pete Shellem of the Harrisburg Patriot-News.... » Full Story
If you get discouraged about this business and don't think a reporter can make a difference (or needs to go to a major metro paper to make a difference), read this AJR story about Pete Shellem of the Harrisburg Patriot-News.... » Full Story
Fun writing from a judge?
By Steve Buttry - May 17, 2007
I've delayed way too long in posting writing tips. So I'll try to give you lots to browse in this one. This is my favorite, a Bob Norman blog post that praises (and posts in full) an amusing bit of... » Full Story
:: Help for narrative writers - February 21, 2007
:: Read some of Michael Browning's fine writing - January 08, 2007
:: Tips from Don Murray and Brady Dennis - January 08, 2007
:: Time is running out on these cliches - September 01, 2006
:: A story written with emotional authenticity - July 18, 2006
:: Roy's Toolbox available soon as a book - June 24, 2006
:: Advice on making that toughest call - June 12, 2006
:: A reporter looks back with some regrets - May 18, 2006
:: Check out "No crying in journalism except ..." - May 16, 2006
:: Arguably awesome, or at least viable, tips - May 01, 2006
:: Belated recognition of a call for originality - April 20, 2006
:: Writing tips (and trash talk) from Mark Twain - March 31, 2006
:: "Enrol" at NewsCollege - March 20, 2006
:: World Affairs Fellowship deadline approaching - February 21, 2006
:: A rant on negative writing - January 25, 2006
:: Writing about abortion - January 11, 2006
:: Two good pieces on the mine disaster - January 10, 2006
:: Above the Fold - January 05, 2006
:: New blog on language - December 21, 2005
:: Dick Weiss has retired - December 08, 2005
:: Silence is probably 'the most underused reporting tool' - November 21, 2005
:: Looking for mentors - November 11, 2005
:: Example of outstanding writing from Northwest Florida Daily News - October 27, 2005
:: Using quotes powerfully but not the way most of us do - October 25, 2005
:: The importance of word choice - September 02, 2005
:: Heroic work in covering the catastrophe of Hurricane Katrina - September 01, 2005
:: Don't settle for writing a routine story - August 26, 2005
:: Giving away the ending - August 19, 2005
:: Finding fascinating stories in your community - August 10, 2005
:: The power of public records - July 26, 2005
:: More storytelling without quotes - July 07, 2005
:: Storytelling with few or no quotes - July 06, 2005
:: Computer-assisted reporting - not just for geeks - June 08, 2005
:: An ethical responsibility of all writers - June 06, 2005
:: Baker has been busy on his Newsthinking site - May 26, 2005
I've delayed way too long in posting writing tips. So I'll try to give you lots to browse in this one. This is my favorite, a Bob Norman blog post that praises (and posts in full) an amusing bit of... » Full Story
:: Help for narrative writers - February 21, 2007
:: Read some of Michael Browning's fine writing - January 08, 2007
:: Tips from Don Murray and Brady Dennis - January 08, 2007
:: Time is running out on these cliches - September 01, 2006
:: A story written with emotional authenticity - July 18, 2006
:: Roy's Toolbox available soon as a book - June 24, 2006
:: Advice on making that toughest call - June 12, 2006
:: A reporter looks back with some regrets - May 18, 2006
:: Check out "No crying in journalism except ..." - May 16, 2006
:: Arguably awesome, or at least viable, tips - May 01, 2006
:: Belated recognition of a call for originality - April 20, 2006
:: Writing tips (and trash talk) from Mark Twain - March 31, 2006
:: "Enrol" at NewsCollege - March 20, 2006
:: World Affairs Fellowship deadline approaching - February 21, 2006
:: A rant on negative writing - January 25, 2006
:: Writing about abortion - January 11, 2006
:: Two good pieces on the mine disaster - January 10, 2006
:: Above the Fold - January 05, 2006
:: New blog on language - December 21, 2005
:: Dick Weiss has retired - December 08, 2005
:: Silence is probably 'the most underused reporting tool' - November 21, 2005
:: Looking for mentors - November 11, 2005
:: Example of outstanding writing from Northwest Florida Daily News - October 27, 2005
:: Using quotes powerfully but not the way most of us do - October 25, 2005
:: The importance of word choice - September 02, 2005
:: Heroic work in covering the catastrophe of Hurricane Katrina - September 01, 2005
:: Don't settle for writing a routine story - August 26, 2005
:: Giving away the ending - August 19, 2005
:: Finding fascinating stories in your community - August 10, 2005
:: The power of public records - July 26, 2005
:: More storytelling without quotes - July 07, 2005
:: Storytelling with few or no quotes - July 06, 2005
:: Computer-assisted reporting - not just for geeks - June 08, 2005
:: An ethical responsibility of all writers - June 06, 2005
:: Baker has been busy on his Newsthinking site - May 26, 2005