In my years of journalism writing, I have learned that not only do you develop skills in writing but in other areas.
For example, for a journalism workshop paper, I had to write an article on vouchers. Vouchers? What are vouchers? When I was given the article I really didn't get it. After reading lots of magazine articles and talking to people, I had enough information to write the article. Not only did I actually understand what vouchers are but why they are so important.
(For those who don't know what a voucher is, a voucher is sort of a coupon given to kids who can't afford a private school education. With a voucher, one can choose the private school they want to go to. It caused a lot of problems because public school officals felt that the voucher promoted private schools.)
My point is, when you write an article, you end up learning things you didn't know before. It is the ultimate way to learn. But of course you must be willing to immerse yourself in tons of information. If you do it just to get it done, you will not learn anything and your article will obviously show that.
Well, I'm going to give you an assignment. Unusual, eh? But hey, it's a way you can learn. Anyway, your mission, if you choose to take it, is to write a comprehensive article on Bill Clinton. Yes, he's been in the press, but there is a lot about Bill Clinton you may not know yet. In a month, I will write my story on Bill Clinton and I will also publish stories of those who send them to my e-mail, Artsphreak@aol.com. And I will prove how, as a journalist, you're not just a writer but a traveling scholar.
Post Scriptum: If you need help I will give some hints in my next column! And please send me e-mails of how you're doing with your story to my e-mail Artsphreak@aol.com!
Go To Page: 1
