Writing is a challenging task, and it’s even more difficult when it comes to crafting news stories. Whether you are an expert writer or just getting started, there are some things you should know to make your stories as effective and successful as possible.
The first step in writing a good story is selecting the right topic. It’s important to find a subject that is interesting and newsworthy, but also one that has enough impact to make a difference to readers. Ideally, the story should be something that has happened recently and has an immediate effect on the community. Avoid covering a story that happened a week ago – it’s already old news and people are moving on.
Once you have found a story, be sure to grab and keep the attention of readers. Often, the best way to do this is by placing the most important information at the beginning of the article. This is known as “burying the lead” and it can cause reader frustration, especially if they have to read several paragraphs before getting to the actual topic of the story.
The rest of the article should provide more details on items covered in the lead, if necessary. Providing background and additional facts can strengthen the article and add credibility to it. This is also a great opportunity to use quotes from individuals involved in the story. However, it’s important to be sure you have the permission of any sources whose comments or quotes are being used.