1. Jimmy Breslin Columns- Analysis
I like how Breslin can take a story that might be ignored for the most part by the media, such as the piece about the New York City shooting, and turn it into an extremely compelling story with strong, interesting characters and a great narrative. He also uses imagery and other writing devices to make the reader really feel as if they are right there in the scene being described. I really liked "Dies the Victim, Dies the City", because Breslin turns a story about a seemingly ordinary homicide into a greater statement on the problems engrained in the police system and the media regarding murders. He's also not extremely obvious- he lets the reader figure out the broader message themselves. The story on JFK's grave-digger was obviously historically incredibly important, as Breslin was able to put a new and compelling perspective on a story that literally every single publication in America was reporting on at the time.
2. Top 10 Most Important Things about Feature Writing
1. Have a good and compelling lead!
2. Tell a story, i.e a good narrative!
3. Be descriptive, use imagery and writing devices!
4. Only use very powerful quotes!
5. Use "startling statements"- grab the reader's attention with drama!
6. Have unexpected twists! Surprise the reader and mess with their minds a lil!
7. Avoid using cliches and don't be overly obvious!
8. Avoid first and second person!
9. Utilize transition/quote formula!
10. Remember GQ STUDD:
G. Great
Q. Quotes
S. Strong Lead
T. Transition/Quote Formula
U. Unique Angle
D. Description- show don't tell
D. Detail
I like how Breslin can take a story that might be ignored for the most part by the media, such as the piece about the New York City shooting, and turn it into an extremely compelling story with strong, interesting characters and a great narrative. He also uses imagery and other writing devices to make the reader really feel as if they are right there in the scene being described. I really liked "Dies the Victim, Dies the City", because Breslin turns a story about a seemingly ordinary homicide into a greater statement on the problems engrained in the police system and the media regarding murders. He's also not extremely obvious- he lets the reader figure out the broader message themselves. The story on JFK's grave-digger was obviously historically incredibly important, as Breslin was able to put a new and compelling perspective on a story that literally every single publication in America was reporting on at the time.
2. Top 10 Most Important Things about Feature Writing
1. Have a good and compelling lead!
2. Tell a story, i.e a good narrative!
3. Be descriptive, use imagery and writing devices!
4. Only use very powerful quotes!
5. Use "startling statements"- grab the reader's attention with drama!
6. Have unexpected twists! Surprise the reader and mess with their minds a lil!
7. Avoid using cliches and don't be overly obvious!
8. Avoid first and second person!
9. Utilize transition/quote formula!
10. Remember GQ STUDD:
G. Great
Q. Quotes
S. Strong Lead
T. Transition/Quote Formula
U. Unique Angle
D. Description- show don't tell
D. Detail
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