Writing for Others, Writing for Ourselves: Telling Stories in an Age of Blogging

by Jerry Lanson

Overview

Using a narrative thread that ties practical advice to his personal experience as reporter, blogger and professor, Jerry Lanson fills his new book on nonfiction writing with time-proven techniques to beat writer's block and hone the skills necessary to write well. Examples from Lanson's own work as well as that of other widely read reporters, bloggers and essayists make Writing for Others, Writing for Ourselves a practical guide for writers seeking to perfect their own work. From learning to frame ideas early, to developing the writer's voice, the tips, tricks, and lessons that Lanson shares will enliven any writer's work.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780742555341
Publisher:	Rowman & Littlefield Publishers, Inc.
Publication date:	01/16/2011
Edition description:	New Edition
Pages:	224
Product dimensions:	6.20(w) x 9.10(h) x 0.90(d)

About the Author

Jerry Lanson has coached editors and reporters at newspapers ranging from The Christian Science Monitor to The Boston Globe. He contributes regularly to The Monitor's opinion pages. He is a former Deputy City Editor and Peninsula Bureau Chief of the San Jose Mercury News in San Jose, California. He was part of the city-desk staff awarded a Pulitzer Prize for its coverage of the Loma Prieta earthquake in 1989. Lanson is currently associate professor of journalism at Emerson College.

Table of Contents

Preface vii

Introduction xiii

Chapter 1 Finding a Place-and Space-to Think 1

Chapter 2 A Little Jazz 9

Chapter 3 Culling Life's Experience 15

Chapter 4 Gathering String 25

Chapter 5 The Passive Observer at Work 35

Chapter 6 Finding Fresh Stories 43

Chapter 7 Reconnaissance 57

Chapter 8 Honing the Focus 65

Chapter 9 Interviewing for Story 73

Chapter 10 Bring Back the Breed of the Dog 85

Chapter 11 Six-Word Headlines, Ten-Point Outlines 101

Chapter 12 Drafting Fast 113

Chapter 13 Organizing Stories 119

Chapter 14 No One Gets it Right the First Time 147

Chapter 15 Finding a Niche 155

Postscript 165

Notes 169

Writing Examples 173

Editorial Reviews

Jerry Lanson is a talented writer and an even more talented writing teacher. This book will be invaluable to anyone who wants to apply time-tested techniques to 21st century storytelling.

Thomas Kunkel

Jerry Lanson’s Writing for Others, Writing for Ourselves shows exactly why journalism needs more mentors like him. He reminds us of the need to speak with our true literary and journalistic voice. Students and professional journalists alike need this guidance at a time when media organizations are pressing for the quick hit and the glib phrase. This book is a powerful reminder why we all need a trusted editor – now more than ever.

Jeffrey Dvorkin

If you struggle with writer's block, or if you work with people who struggle with writer's block (and what writing teacher doesn't?), this book is for you....In an age when motivating students to complete assigned readings is a challenge, Lanson offers an easy-to-read text that presents useful information in an inviting manner....While this book can help writers at any point in their career, the earlier they have a chance to employ the suggestions shared, the sooner their writing will improve.

Journalism & Mass Communication Quarterly

All of us deep inside believe we have something important to say. But writing is one of the most difficult challenges ever. Jerry Lanson provides the roadmap to make the journey easier.

Alicia C. Shepard

This book provides readers of all ages with a practical guide to perfecting their own work. From showing how to frame ideas early to how to gather and choose telling details for stories, the author shares tips, techniques, and lessons that will sharpen and enliven any writer’s work.

Writers’ Journal

This book provides readers of all ages with a practical guide to perfecting their own work. From showing how to frame ideas early to how to gather and choose telling details for stories, the author shares tips, techniques, and lessons that will sharpen and enliven any writer’s work.

Writers’ Journal

If you struggle with writer's block, or if you work with people who struggle with writer's block (and what writing teacher doesn't?), this book is for you....In an age when motivating students to complete assigned readings is a challenge, Lanson offers an easy-to-read text that presents useful information in an inviting manner....While this book can help writers at any point in their career, the earlier they have a chance to employ the suggestions shared, the sooner their writing will improve.

Journalism and Mass Communication Quarterly

This book provides readers of all ages with a practical guide to perfecting their own work. From showing how to frame ideas early to how to gather and choose telling details for stories, the author shares tips, techniques, and lessons that will sharpen and enliven any writer’s work.

Writers' Journal