Begin in the Middle. . .

What does the first sentence or three of your story look like? Imagine this is a trailer for your story -- what would it show? Everyone should read everyone else's and feel free to offer criticism, advice, and encouragement. I know I will.

Please complete this by class on Monday, Feb 23.

Remember when I say "begin in the middle," what I essentially mean is "begin with a grabber."

Gonzo

Baed on your reading of "The Scum Also Rises," what are some of the defining characteristics of Gonzo journalism? Please respond before class on Thursday.

How to Write a Story (Originally published in The Rose & Thorn)

Begin in the middle
with the screams

of something burning,
then insert nightfall

and a trail of bread crumbs
the crows will maliciously eat.

It’s important that there be
lost children, but the search dogs

should be tired, or even better,
dubious, and with no way

to stop the bleeding
in the region of the brain

that controls our tears.


What, according to this poem, are the key components of a well-written story? Does your projected story incorporate any of the components? Respond by noon, Monday, February 9.

The Prince of Hyperbole

Someone (me) once wrote that H. L. Mencken believed that "Nothing succeeds like excess." Identify a passage in "Deep in the Coca-Cola Belt" that supports this statement. Does Mencken's penchant for hyperbole aand exaggeration detract from or enhance his standing as a "factual" journalist in your eyes? Respond by noon Thursday, Feb. 5.