THE LEAD
- the most
important sentence in any essay or story is the first one. First sentence induces the reader to go
to the second and so on – until the reader is hooked. This is the lead.
- How long
should it be? No pat answer. But beware that readers want to know
very soon what’s in it for them.
- The lead must
do real work: details that tell the
reader why the piece was written and why he or she ought to read it. But don’t dwell on the reason. Give the reader a little more.
- Continue to
build. Every paragraph should
amplify the one before.
- the perfect
ending should take your readers slightly by surprise and yet seem right.
- one rule for
the nonfiction writer: when you’re ready to stop, stop. If you have presented all the facts and
made the point you want to make, look for the exit.
- A few
sentences should wrap things up.
They should encapsulate the idea of the piece and conclude with a
sentence that jolts us with fitness or unexpectedness.
- One thing you
can do is to bring the story full circle.
The sense of symmetry is gratifying to the reader.
- Another thing
to do is to use a quotation. Look
through your notes and find some remark that has a sense of finality or
it’s funny or unexpected.
Fee: $25/hour - If you register before August 26 - $50 discount
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