Writing Tips: Ways to Brainstorm for Topics

March 28, 2011 by Leave a Comment

Whether you are writing a news article, piece of fiction or short story you will need to have a topic and an idea of where you wish to take your writing. Brainstorming is a great way to come up with a number of topics and directions that you can take that topic. Here is a look at some of the ways people brainstorm for their writing topics.

Random Listing. Random listing can work when trying to narrow down or find a topic. To brainstorm by random listing you just grab a piece of paper and start writing down any idea that comes to mind. If an idea comes to your mind you just write it down as a possible topic. It might be hard to not think about the topics that you are writing down but when listing all you want to do is get as many ideas down as possible and then you can sort through them later.

Cluster Brainstorming. Cluster brainstorming is ideal for when you have a topic and want to expand on that topic for a paper or school project. To cluster brainstorm you start with a small topic such as cats and place it in a bubble in the center. You will then branch ideas off of cats such as food, shelter, vet care, toys and other topics. You continue to branch off of each idea until you have multiple ways that you can take the topic you started out with.

Each brainstorming style is unique and can really help to narrow down the topic that you wish to write on or to figure out a direction to take a specific topic.

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Research Tip: How to Ask Good Questions During a Research Interview

March 16, 2011 by Leave a Comment

Interviews can be an important part of the news writing process. They are a great resource to gather information, get direct quotes and even give a personal touch to some of the articles that you are writing. How much information you can use from your interview will depend upon how good or bad the interview questions are. If you do not ask the right questions you will not get enough information to use quotes from the interview.

Here are some tips on how to conduct a great interview for those that are looking to use the interview in a news story.

Do Your Research. It is important to do your research. Research both the topic that you are planning on writing about and the person that you are interviewing. This will allow you to create informative questions that you can use in your news articles.

Create Thoughtful Questions. Questions that require some thought behind them will come out more sincere than those that are one word answers. Try to ask questions that require the interviewee to think about their answers and give you a lot of information. Not only will it give you more time to think of new questions but it will also allow you to capture an imagine of the interviewee that you can use in your article.

Break-up Long Questions. Try to consider what the response might be for the questions that you are asking. Try to only ask the interviewee one or two questions at a time. This will allow them to answer all the questions and get you the information that you want. If you need to ask lots of questions break them up and follow the interviewee’s answers with the other questions.

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How the Inverted Pyramid Structure is Used for News Stories

February 1, 2011 by Leave a Comment

While it might appear to the casual news article reader that there is no logic to the information that is presented there is. Many news writers who write news stories for the major newspapers use a strategy known as the inverted pyramid to present their news stories. Here is a look at the inverted pyramid writing structure.

Imagine a pyramid that is standing on its tip. That is structure that many news writers use. The idea of the inverted pyramid is that all the important information is available to the reader at the top of the article. The headlines, leads and first paragraphs all contain everything that they want to know. However, as the reader continues to read the article the information becomes less important, until the article ends.

Here is an example of a news story that would be structured and written in a style that uses the inverted pyramid.

There as a tragic double murder in the local apartment complex. A news writer that was using the inverted pyramid structure would start out the story with a headline that reads “Tragic Ending For Two Apartment Dwellers”. This headline grabs the attention of the readers and makes them want to start reading the news article.

The first sentence of the news story would read something like “Two residents living at the local apartment complex were murdered last Thursday. They were found dead by their neighbor”. Under the inverted pyramid structure this presents all the information that a reader could want to know about the news story. If the reader were to talk away from the article they would know all the important facts.

The rest of the article would focus on the murder but could talk about evidence that might have been found, suspects, who was involved or even an interview with the local police chief. While these facts have to deal with the story they are not as important to the reader or the story.

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Voice Recorders

January 29, 2011 by Leave a Comment

Sometimes, the best ideas come from strange places such as working out or driving. If you have a large writing assignment handed to you, you may find yourself in a position to increase your productivity by keeping a recording device handy to record ideas as you get them. The benefits are they can be hands free and are less distracting when working out, walking, driving, etc., and can be used almost anywhere.

Mini-Cassettes

While most affordable, mini-cassettes are walking their way out the door of technology. They can still be found in some stores and online, starting around $13 at Walmart’s website, and can serve the function of voice recording for memo purposes.

Cell Phones

Many cell phones already come with a way to record memos. That may be all you need, but some have shorter recording times than what you may find convenient.

Digital Voice Recorders

These are the new trend available in many different styles with many different functions. The more in-expensive ones provide the basic functions of mini-cassettes such as recording and play back. They also usually let you organize information in files. The more expensive ones add convenience of USB connection to upload your recordings into the computer as a .wma or an .mp3.  If you want something to outlast its use in writing, the ones you can convert to the computer might be the way to go as you can record children’s voices, music, lectures, etc. to post online and share with friends and family.

You can find digital voice recorders at almost any store that sells electronics, but it is recommended to fully review different products and features as not all come with the same features. Amazon.com has quite a few different options with brands and models as well as great reviews and accurate ratings.

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Creating an Outline

January 27, 2011 by Leave a Comment

Sometimes it helps to create an outline before you attempt to write as a template to your completed project. Resumes often work in that manner, and that method could very well help you with your writing needs.

One thing to consider is to look from the perspective of a finished project like what the teacher or editor would expect out of your work. Include anything defined by the assignment, and any expectations you have for yourself. You may be in the position to plan basic context (or answers to basic questions) and play around with how you intend on introducing the concepts.

The Beginning

The beginning of academic papers should have some eye catching, attention grabbing first line. It should then summarize the paper asking the research question(s) your paper intends to answer. In addition, this is a great place to include the relevance of the topic, the scope of your research, and any introductory information the reader should know before reading your paper.

For articles such as news articles and blogs, the beginning should answer all the questions of who, what, when, where, why, etc., in the first paragraph. In addition, the most important information should go first. Try to make it eye catching, awesome, fun read to engage interest, but that’s more important to do in the headline than your first paragraph.

The Middle

Information has to be organized in a way the reader can quickly, easily comprehend. Headings are a great way to organize information so that readers can find specifically what they are looking for, and it helps focus their mind on what to expect. In addition, paragraphs should be thought of as “Main Topic” followed by “Supporting Details.” You are free to decide where the main topic goes in the paragraph.

The End

Academic papers generally require a summary answering whatever research question was found in your introduction. Articles and blogs usually end with places to find more information.

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Moving to My Dream House

December 11, 2010 by Leave a Comment
PALM BEACH, FL - FEBRUARY 25: Valentina Marti...
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Houses that used to be out of my price range are now more affordable than ever. The recession has taken a toll on the housing market and home values are as low as they have been in years. Factor in that mortgage rates are at record lows, and it is possible to get a lot of house for a decent price. Of course, you have to meet the new tougher qualifications for home loans, and you have to be ready to pack up your current house and move.

I think the most intimidating part of buying a new home is the move itself. Packing up boxes and going through all your stuff to determine what to keep and what to get rid of is difficult. Especially with the amount of clothes a fashion maven like myself has. It is clearly a lot of work even if you bring in professional movers to help. If you are moving somewhere for a new job, such as a modeling gig, that makes the process a little easier because the company may help with moving costs.

If you are making a move, see if your new company can recommend movers to help with relocating. There is a good chance that they work with one or two firms that will offer a discount because of the repeat business. If not, check with friends and family to see who they used and if they were satisfied. Before you select anyone, make sure you get several moving quotes in writing, and ask the firms for references from satisfied customers.

Even if you are not ready right this minute to make the move to your dream home, it does not hurt to start preparing. Get rid of the clutter and start sorting through things like outdated accessories and old clothes. The stuff that you move out now won’t have to be moved later.

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The Global Reach of the Sprint Coverage Map Extends

August 23, 2010 by Leave a Comment

Changes and Developments in Chechnya

The Soviet Union collapsed in 1991 and formed an independent movement, known as the Chechen National Congress. Chechen President Dzhokhar Dudayev, who was an ex-Soviet Air Force general, helped form and lead the union. This has made for a wonderful source of inspiration for writing especially in the academic community.

These changes in government in Chechnya were unsettling and caused even more unrest in the country. They sparked the formation of Boris Yesltsin’s Russian Federation, which argued feverishly that Chechnya wasn’t an independent entity existing within the Soviet Union. These conflicts and struggles went on for a lengthy period of time and caused territory to be locked between various factions in the union.

The United States, meanwhile, wanted to gain access into the country through technological opportunities and signify a key area of the country where companies could install American-based telecommunications. Cellphone providers wanted to expand, which led to the Sprint coverage map including a broad region of the country.

Initial attempts at reaching an agreement were unsuccessful, but after numerous talks and discussions, Chechnya granted the United States permission for American business to come in and establish a presence in the telecommunications industry. This was not only beneficial for the U.S. but for Chechnyans, as well.

Technological Outreaching

The United States is very diligent and proactive about establishing its presence in certain areas of the world. The U.S. is based on a customer-driven capitalistic society and is consistent about wanting to establish the nation in all aspects of business telecommunications all over the world.

In addition to telephone communications, the United States markets and promotes other forms of communication such as writing. This can include devices like cellular phones (including Smartphones) and other devices that operate on wireless technology, such as laptop computers, iPhones, and iPads. America’s approach to business and working with other countries focuses on showing other countries how they can benefit from having a U.S. relationship and pointing out the profits both parties can enjoy.

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Need Money to Visit Chechnya? Try an Auto Loan Refinance

August 16, 2010 by Leave a Comment
Vintage matchbook: Allen-Parker Auto Loans, T...
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If you’ve finally decided that it’s time your travels took you to an exotic and unique locale like Chechnya, getting there could be half the fun. It’s not really a common tourist destination, and that could actually work in your favor. Because it’s not a trendy spot where everyone’s headed, you should be able to get better rates. Be sure to book ahead, too. Many airlines give discounts to Chechnya and all kinds of other places if you book your trip at least three weeks in advance. The flight isn’t the only thing you should book early, either. You can also get a discount on your hotel that way.

Be sure to do your research and determine where the best place to stay is. When you travel to a foreign country, you want to be sure that you’re staying in a good area and that you can get what you need while you’re there. Some people hire locals as tour guides so they don’t have to worry about the language and cultural barriers, and so they can be warned if someone is trying to cheat them. If you decide to do this, go through a reputable travel agency that has people in Chechnya, so you know you’re getting a good deal.

In order to fund your travels, you might want to consider lowering your bills to save more money. You can do that through an auto loan refinance, through a refinance on your home, or through reducing or eliminating some of the smaller bills that you have. Of course, there are plenty of other ways to get the money, like dipping into savings. You should fund your trip in whatever way feels the most comfortable for you. Then you can go and see all that Chechnya has to offer to you, and come back with some great stories and fond memories.

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Yummy Chickens

July 30, 2010 by Leave a Comment

For many years people have been consuming chickens. There are many ways to fix chicken.  Chickens are cooked all over the world. There is no place in this world where you can’t find chicken on the menu. That is how crazy, but chicken it some of the easiest thing to cook and one of the cheapest meats to buy. People use to trade chickens for a variety of different things. Back in the early 1900’s and before people have traded guns, furs, supplies, and even land for chickens.

Chickens are raised in things called chicken coops. If you go in to the south you can find many of these. Farmers have been raising chickens for years and some of them raise chickens for their eggs, while others raise chickens for their meat. There are farmers that do both. Raising chickens is a lucrative business, but if you have chicken coops you will have a lot of work on your hands. You have to clean out the dead chickens, if you are raising them for their eggs you will need to watch and make sure that no bad eggs get in to the good eggs, because you can get very sick from eating bad eggs, it can even kill you if you get salmonella poisoning, if not treated right can kill you.

Chicken Farmers have a lot of work to do, when it comes to caring for their chickens. Feeding the chickens is one of the easiest things to do, when raising chickens. If you are going to raise chickens, be sure to get the right training, so you know what you are doing. Farming has a lot to do, but raising chickens is one of the easiest and best if done right, but it does take time and money to raise chickens.

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Driving Rights

May 30, 2010 by Leave a Comment

People of all ages love to drive, that is the one main thing people look forward to doing while growing, and they can’t wait to drive. There are a few things to remember and know before you go out driving. There are rules that you have to go by when driving.

At the age of fifteen and a half you can take drivers education to learn how to drive and to learn the rules of the road. After you take drivers education and you turn sixteen you can get your driver’s license.  In some states you have to have proof of auto insurance. Without it you can’t get a license plate for your car. If you drive a car without insurance and get pulled over the police can take your and slap you with a big fine and you might even lose your driver’s license.

You need to follow all the rules of the road when driving just to keep you safe and to keep everyone else safe on the road. Follow all traffic signs and signals. The police will stay off your back if you follow the rules of the road. Don’t take this the wrong way, driving is fun and it can be dangerous. Everyone has the right to drive, but only if they follow the rules. If you don’t follow the rules you will lose your driver’s license, pay a lot of money in fines, hurt yourself, hurt someone else or even kill someone. Cars are not toys and they have rules for a reason, so follow them and you can have fun.

Auto insurance in very important, not only is it the law, but it is a life saver. If you have a wreck and don’t have auto insurance you will have to pay for everything.

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