Inverted+Pyramid+Writing+Tips

1. Rank and write facts, details, and events from the most to the least important 2. Keep to the third person - No //I's, we's, you's -// unless it is part of the quotes you are using. 3. Keep lead to about 30 words. 4. Break up paragraphs with meaningful quotes. 5. Vary quoted material by presenting it as a direct, indirect, and partial quotes. 6. Insert factual statements and exposition amid a series of quotes to diret reader to newsworthy points. 7. On first reference, identify and individual with his or her title and position (coah, senior, Mr.) and generally write out the full name of an organization (Blazers Against Drunk Driving-not BADD) 8. Be aware of time. Start with the most contemporary past, current, or future date and work backward. 9. Put details of greatest importance and interest as near to beginning as possible. 10. Have more than one source for major stories. 11. Remember, your reader wants news, not histroy, opinion, flowery writing, or chithcat. 12. Have a specific order for lists of names: higher to lesser prizes; seniors to freshmen;alpabetical and so on. If extensive, list in sidebar or separate column with its own heading. 13. Vary paragraph lengths. Narrow newspaper columns make paragraphs stretch longer than an equal number of words in books. 14. To pass cutoff test, include brief paragraphs at end that contain valuable but not essential information. 15. Avoid using more words that you really need. Better said: avoid wordiness.