J110

Profiles & Features

THE LANGUAGE
Aim for lively, active verbs.
· Instead of look at carefully: examine
· Instead of think deeply: ponder
· Instead of walk unevenly: stumble, lurch
· Instead of eat quickly: gobble, woof.

Use intensifiers sparingly.
· Instead of very funny: hilarious
· Instead of extremely hungry: ravenous
· Instead of really eager: avid

Avoid redundancies
· More equal, most unique, etc.

Use active voice.

Use present tense.

Avoid clichés.

Vary sentence length.

Listen to the sounds of words.
· Instead of complain: grumble, squawk, growl
· Instead of fracture: smash, shatter, snap
· Instead of talk: jabber, yammer, chatter

Descriptive detail.

Show don't tell.

Use anecdotes. (mini stories)

Tips from Carole Rich, MissoTips from Carole Rich, Missouri Group, Chip Scanlan, Melvin Mencher

THE STRUCTURE
Not the inverted pyramid.

Have a theme (a recurring image or concept) that ties the story together.

Focus on patterns, decisive turning points, background, other points of view.

Rich recommends use the GOAL technique:

(Goals, obstacles, achievements and logistics) - What were the person's goals? What are some obstacles the person has faced? What are some of her achievements? What led to the current situation (logistics).

Chronological.