Writing for Others, Writing for Ourselves Telling Stories in an Age of Blogging

by Lanson, Jerry

• ISBN13: 9780742555341
• ISBN10: 0742555348
• Format: Hardcover
• Copyright: 2011-01-16
• Publisher: Rowman & Littlefield Publishers

Summary

Using a narrative thread that ties practical advice to his personal experience as a professor, reporter and blogger, Jerry Lanson's new book on nonfiction writing is filled with time-proven techniques to beat writer's block and hone the skills necessary to write well. Using examples from his own pieces as well as those of other widely read reporters, bloggers and essayists, Lanson's Writing for Others, Writing for Ourselves provides readers a practical guide to perfecting their own work. From learning to frame ideas early, to developing the writer's voice, Lanson shares the tips, tricks, and lessons that will enliven any writer's work.

Author Biography

Jerry Lanson has coached reporters at newspapers ranging from the Christian Science Monitor to the Boston Globe, and writes about topics ranging from politics and the media to travel and grandparenting. An associate professor at Emerson College in Boston, he is a former deputy city editor, acting city editor, and bureau chief of the San Jose Mercury News in San Jose, California. He was part of the city-desk staff awarded a Pulitzer Prize for its coverage of the Loma Prieta earthquake in 1989.

Table of Contents

Preface	p. vii
Introduction	p. xiii
Finding a Place-and Space-to Think	p. 1
A Little Jazz	p. 9
Culling Life's Experience	p. 15
Gathering String	p. 25
The Passive Observer at Work	p. 35
Finding Fresh Stories	p. 43
Reconnaissance	p. 57
Honing the Focus	p. 65
Interviewing for Story	p. 73
Bring Back the Breed of the Dog	p. 85
Six-Word Headlines, Ten-Point Outlines	p. 101
Drafting Fast	p. 113
Organizing Stories	p. 119
No One Gets it Right the First Time	p. 147
Finding a Niche	p. 155
Postscript	p. 165
Notes	p. 169
Writing Examples	p. 173
Table of Contents provided by Ingram. All Rights Reserved.