So You Think You Can Write

Devoun Cetoute

Journalism is…

HardStressfulAggravatingDoesn’t pay so goodDemands perfection everydayTHE MOST AWESOME JOB EVER!

Naipaul’s Rules for Beginners

1. Do not write long sentences. A sentence should not have more than ten or twelve words.

2. Each sentence should make a clear statement. It should add to the statement that went before. A good paragraph is a series of clear, linked statements.

3. Do not use big words. The use of small words compels you to think about what you are writing. Even difficult ideas can be broken down into small words.

4. Never use words whose meaning you are not sure of. If you break this rule you should look for other work.

5. This beginner should avoid using adjectives, except those of color, size and number. Use as few adverbs as possible.

6. Avoid the abstract. Always go for the concrete.

Everyday, for six months at least, practice writing in this way.

• Small words• Short , clear, concrete sentences• It may be awkward, but it’s training you in the use of

language• It may even be getting rid of the bad language habits

you picked up at school• You may go beyond these rules after you have

thoroughly understood and mastered them.

Avoid Cliché

It was the best of , it was the worst of fggggg

It was in JulyHashtagA labor of love YOLOWork smarter, not harderSwagTwerk/ werk/ Twerking

Keep it Simple, Stupid

In order to = toTo able to = toIn my opinion = [We know that already]Completely destroyed = destroyedDue to =becauseSince = because

Don’t be Irritating

At the end of the dayFairly uniqueI personallyAt this moment in timeWith all due respectAbsolutelyIt’s a nightmareShouldn’t of24/7It’s not rocket science

Choose Words Carefully

Show Don’t Tell

TellingEven a large male gorilla, unaccustomed to tourists, is frightened by people.

ShowingA four-hundred-pound male gorilla, unaccustomed to tourists, bolt into the forest, trailing a stream of diarrhea, at the mere site of a person.

Keep it Active

Stay away from “linking” verbsGo through a story and highlight every “are”, “is,” “were,” and “was”. Now find a way to rewrite each sentence with a stronger verb

ExampleThe frisky dog was happy to meet her master at the

gate.

The brown, spotted dog pranced down the path to meet her master at the gate

But….

But

Ya Can’t Write Nuthin’

If Ya Ain’t Got Nuthin’ to Say

That’s Reporting

Go Out and Learn