| Many people say they know everything there is | | | | one-third of it. You'll be surprised how many |
| to know about writing a newspaper article, | | | | words you've written are unnecessary, and |
| and they say they can teach you how to do it | | | | this approach will ensure that your article |
| in a short period of time. And there are many | | | | will be accepted the first time you submit it |
| Web tools for nearly any type of feature | | | | to the editor. |
| article you might want to write. However, | | | | |
| unless you're writing an article about | | | | Newspaper writing is not the only kind of |
| something relatively simple, there really is | | | | writing that might interest you, but all |
| no short cut in learning to write. There is | | | | types of writing require skill. For example, |
| much more involved with writing a newspaper | | | | you might think that writing advertising copy |
| article than you might think. | | | | will be easy. However, you still need to |
| | | | apply the principles of good, solid writing |
| There is an art to writing, and like learning | | | | to this field. If you want to write |
| any art, you have to be dedicated and | | | | advertising copy, you still need to learn how |
| persistent to become proficient. And you | | | | to do it. You can't just dive into it and |
| can't write a newspaper article without | | | | expect to succeed when you don't know what |
| learning to write a good, solid sentence | | | | you're doing. |
| first. It's surprising how many people will | | | | |
| just write on and on when they could | | | | Whatever you decide to write, there are some |
| communicate what they want to say in just a | | | | steps that you should always follow. First, |
| few well-chosen words. If you want to get an | | | | take your time and make sure your writing is |
| article into a newspaper, you'll have to | | | | clear and concise. If you are writing for a |
| avoid this run-on kind of writing because no | | | | newspaper, go back over your writing and cut |
| editor in the world will accept your piece if | | | | it by one-third. When you're finished, have |
| it shows signs of rambling. Editors look for | | | | someone that you trust read it over to check |
| concise writing that uses as few words as | | | | for spelling and grammar errors as well as to |
| possible to get the point across. Here's a | | | | see if it flows well. Then you'll have a |
| tip. Once you think you've finished your | | | | better idea of whether or not your article is |
| feature article, go back and cut out at least | | | | good. |