After the Interview

"Roses are red, violets are blue. Choose striking quotes, or else you'll look stupid."

– Mat George, Reporter

Notes

• Reread your notes and make notes in the margins about the best points.
• Plan your organization as you read your notes.
• Choose direct quotes that are significant or striking.
• Don't choose quotes that will repeat things you have written indirectly.
• Use quotes from sources with authority.

Write First Story Draft

• Dive in to write your first draft.
• Start with the basics, including the lede.
• Don't worry about your hook until you're done with the basic story.
• Take some time away from the first draft and come back later to revise, edit and create a hook.

Check Accuracy with Sources

• Go back to the source with a list of quotes you intend to use and have them initialed to prove they are accurate.
• To check the accuracy of your context, have the person read the entire story, but this is not required.
• It's best to have the original source read your story to help you find mistakes, rather than the entire school after you've misrepresented somebody's words or ideas!

The Missouri Group. Telling the Story:The Convergence of Print, Broadcast and Online Media. Bedford St. Martin's. Boston:2010. 43-68.

Image reproduced with permission from Mat George.

Logo reproduced with permission from Liberty Public Schools.

Created by Lori Oyler, Adviser, loyler@liberty.k12.mo.us, July 22, 2011