tms07rv News

• Final Copy: Narrative Article
  Oh McHale!  This might be the last post in my life.  How does that make you feel?  I didn't change too much because you said I didn't have to.  With all of that said, here it is.  MCENJOY! 
• Narrative Article
  This is really long.  Surprise, surprise.
• Nieman Narrative Digest
  

  Read them and create a post on your weblog which links to each, summarizes each, and discusses how you might use them as advice in writing your story. This should be completed by Wednesday (before class). It is worth 20 points in the weblog category.

  1.) 14 Tips For Building Character

  This article stressed the fact that although nonfiction writers do not create characters (as is the case in fiction writing), they must build characters layer by layer.  A writer must pull the pieces of their subjects apart in the early stages of reporting and then rework these details during the writing process in order to make these people "come alive."  As I expected, the author of this page discussed "showing" and not "telling" as one of the most important concepts to master when building character.  In order to do this, a writer must not be afraid to ask his subjects to provide specific examples and anecdotes.  Description should incorporate all of the senses, but they should distinguish the characters from other people.  After describing the physical characteristics and eccentricities of a subject, a writer should go one step further by showing what his/her subjects do with those attributes.  Motivation and actions can tell a lot about a character's values and purpose.  Finally, a writer should not be afraid to portray the negative characteristics (as well as the positive ones) of his/her subjects by illuminating his/her internal and external struggles.  This adds depth to a character and makes a story much more readable, as we are all human.  I think that all of these ideas regarding character development are very innovative.  After looking at some of the notes I have taken during interviews, I realized that I should go back and ask my subjects for specific examples so that I can portray these characters in my story through their actions.  I will use some of the notes that I look regarding my subjects' physical attributes and responses during interviews to distinguish them from one another.  Most importantly, I will make sure to include just enough detail so that my minor characters are not confused with my major characters.  I tend to overwrite about my subjects, and this can be very confusing to readers who may be taken in too many different directions while reading my narrative article.  I intend to map out the specific information (distinguishing characteristics) that I will write about a person before I begin writing my article.   

  2.) Six Tips for Crafting Scenes

  Although it is much easier to include scenes in a narrative article that cover a specific event or series of events, I agree with the author of this piece in that "scenes are the backbone of narrative."  By giving examples through scenes, I will be able to lead my subjects through my story and force them to see and feel the action as it "unfolds moment by moment."  Scenes are effective description devices because they present motives and hidden intentions without direct summary.  Using scenes is a nice alternative to straight writing that is not as interesting to readers.  The most important concept that the author of this story stresses in all of his points is that the writer has full control of the information that is given to readers in scenes (this is similar to what a director does).  It is up to the writer to determine the "camera angle" of the scene; should he set the scene with a wider angler or create a sense of urgency with an extreme closeup?  A writer must pan through his information in order to determine the major scenes to be included.  After this, he can summarize to cover lengthy spans of time in which nothing necessarily important occurs.  A writer has the capability to control details as well.  He does not want to overwrite and overanalyze so that the main focus of his scenes becomes murky.  Let the description "fold into" the action so that readers are not hit over the head with a large group of details at one time.  In order to stress the most important details, a writer can slow his/her scenes down.  Draw out important events by emphasizing action in more than one paragraph.  Writers can also work in the other direction to speed up urgent scenes.  Also, make sure to skip around in time so that readers can conduct some personal investigation.  Do not end on a note that makes the reader feel as though the story is completed.  The key to scenes is to help transition readers to the next.  In my own writing, I will organize my details prior to writing my story.  This will prevent me from overwriting and adding too much detail in areas, as this often confuses and bores readers.  I will also determine the important information that is necessary to include in scenes so that I can keep the attention of my readers and display some of my purpose without directly "telling" them.  While writing scenes, I would like to include some background information (maybe some statistics) to keep the interest of my readers.  The most important concept that I pulled out from this article was that you can never be too prepared in your writing.  Scenes help to give a story the narrative element that we are looking for in this class.  I would like to speak with Mr. McHale in class today about some potential scenes to use in my writing.  

• NewsU Course Notes
  

  Community Service Photojournalism: Lessons from a Contest (2005)

  Definition: Type of photojournalism draws attention to problem in community; compelling visual content has had impact on community such that changes have come about

  -Approaches to type of journalism: individual storytelling (profiling), watchdog photojournalism, connecting with under-covered communities

  Gaining Access (photojournalist strategy)

  Four major building blocks:

  -Time: takes time for subjects to become comfortable with presence of stranger (photographer) and foreign object (camera)

  -Relationship between journalist and individual: communicate role and mission of article; must be viewed as conscious observer with purpose, not intruder

  -Knowledge: photographer and writer must communicate often; begin early using basic photo request forms; use variety of resources (references, interviews, individuals with similar experiences) for background information

  -Patience: communities may be way of journalists based on how they were addressed in the past; importance of time plays key role in eliminating indifference

  2005 Contest Winner: Carol Guzy, The Washington Post

  Approach: Personality Profile

  -Distinct from breaking news and sports coverage; reflexing, timing, camera position are key (type of photography requiring access)

  -Access relies on authentic relationships; must be accepted as caring individual

  -Carol Guzy: "Attitude is everyting." -Most time in project spent being persistent and developing confidence through conversation

  -Awarding-winning project ("Choices") profiles John Thomas, Ballou HS Senior, as he struggles to stay focused in an atmosphere ranging from "mundance to tragic"

  -Images taken at friend's funeral, in school's hallway, before prom, and during graduation

  -Thomas's relationship and understanding of the photographer (comfortable) is demonstrated through Guzy's pictures

  -Guzy (on her project): "The novelty of my presence wore off." -a certain acceptance evolved between the subject and photographer

  Robert Miller (2005 judge)

  -Make sure to explain the reasons why you are filming to your subjects (most important step in photojournalism)

  -If you do not effectively demonstrate your purpose, subjects "may funnel you to the things you don't want to see," or you may "not see anything at all"

  -Be open to anything (new experiences, etc.); "You can't get a story if you're not there."

  -Report before you start speaking with your subject; important to have basic knowledge (and know some interesting details) to sell story

  Connecting with Under-Covered Communities (photojournalism tips to this approach)

  -Build connections by taking advantage of opportunities in diverse neighborhoods

  -Must keep open mind to explore new areas

  -Eventually helps develop true interest in/ care about your topic

  -Seek out new perspectives (sources and angles)