1. Where, Why, What, How, Who?
When you're writing a piece of journalism, always start by asking yourself: Where, Why, What, How, Who? That is:
What happened? -
Where did the thing happen that you're writing about?
Why did it happen?
How did it happen?
Who did it happen to?
2. Identify your headline grabber
What is it about your story that will interest and surprise people? Is there a twist? It may only be a small aspect of the story you are telling, but you can use it to draw people into your narrative, and make them want to hear more.
3. Writing the first sentence: a couple of options
If you're writing a piece of news journalism, all of the "where, why, what..." elements should be present in the first sentence: for example "In 1913 John Archer was elected the first Black mayor in Britain by the people of Battersea".
Then each succeeding paragraph gives further detail about the story - running from the most important details to the least.
However, if you are writing a longer, more essayish piece, then you might not want to give away all of the 'Where, Why, What...' straight away. You could open the piece with an atmospheric description, or a teasing first question that draws the reader on to solve the 'mystery' that you have set up. However....
4. Keep it simple
Avoid a very elaborate or formal style - stick to clear and simple prose that allows your story to speak for itself.
5. Check Your Facts
As with all journalism, check that your facts are from a reliable source. The web is a brilliant reference, but it's also a breeding ground for misinformation - if an incorrect fact appears on one website, it often quickly spreads all over the web. Make sure you trust your sources, and double-check them where that's feasible.
6. Get A Quote If You Can
Quotations can bring a story alive - whether it's from a historical figure, or from a modern day person who is knowledgeable about the subject you are writing about.
7. Word Count
We've specified a word count up to 1,000 words - but remember the best piece won't necessarily be the longest. Just use as many words as you need to tell your story without repetition.
