Just state the theme of the story as the lead
Veteran journalist Mahesh Vijapurkar's advice to news writers:
Most news writers write for effect and write in a format. At the time of writing the lead (lede - Americans spell it that way), it becomes a struggle because what they need to say does not fit the format. That conflict leads to loss of valuable time as deadlines draw closer.
When the attempt is at effect, then the content can go for a toss. When format is an objective, then the straightjacket strangulates. The best way, therefore, is to just state the theme of the story as the lead. It can be said in as many or as few words as required and the story flows.
That way, clever points and sentences to grab the readers' attention becomes passe.
Mahesh Vijapurkar
Most news writers write for effect and write in a format. At the time of writing the lead (lede - Americans spell it that way), it becomes a struggle because what they need to say does not fit the format. That conflict leads to loss of valuable time as deadlines draw closer.
When the attempt is at effect, then the content can go for a toss. When format is an objective, then the straightjacket strangulates. The best way, therefore, is to just state the theme of the story as the lead. It can be said in as many or as few words as required and the story flows.
That way, clever points and sentences to grab the readers' attention becomes passe.
Mahesh Vijapurkar
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