Tips for writing a digital story
Feature Writing 101:
– Be objective. You are the narrator, not the main character.
– Write in third person. Do not use: I, you, we, our, etc.
– Write a lead that hooks the reader. Should be one sentence.
– Use quotes and attribute them. Start the sentence with the quote and then use said. Example: “This challenge is the real deal,” Chiara said.
– The first time you write the person’s name, use the entire name. After that, use their last name throughout. Example: Adam Chiara is the best mac and cheese cook in the world. Chiara loves mac and cheese.
– Hyperlink if possible. Especially, if it will clear up confusion or gives more context.
– Check for spelling and grammar. EDIT in layers.
In-Class Assignment
Interview your classmate, and write a 500-word story about why they came to CCSU, and profile who they are as a student.
You must:
– follow the feature writing 101 rules
-include a picture with a caption
-use relevant, useful hyperlinks
-include quotes
-use the aesthetic techniques we’ve learned for creating a good visual post
-make a slide show with 3-5 slides using creative commons pics. The slide show should follow the instructions from the previous slide show assignment
-put the post in a category
Homework: Write a 500- to 750-word feature story on your blog.
The story can be a profile of someone (cannot be a family member or friend – you won’t be objective), about an event, or profiling a business/organization.
It must:
-follow the feature writing 101 standards
-include at least two original quotes recorded by you
-have at least one original picture shot by you (use the techniques we’ve learned in class) and include a caption with it
-include relevant, useful hyperlinks
-make a slide show with at least 5 slides. The slide show should follow the instructions from the previous slide show assignment
-incorporate other lessons we’ve learned in this class about aesthetics, SEO, etc.
-be put in a category on your blog
