I think that my writing skills have gotten better. This has been a tough class. I like writing, but writing for newspapers and magazines is very different than any other type of writing. So this has taken a bit to get used to. I enjoy writing on my blog daily. This has probably been one of the best parts of the class.
The blog has been place to vent, and reflect, and respond to things about the class, and writing and all of the processes that are involved.
AP style, what to say about that…I don’t know. It is unlike any other style of writing. Being undergrad, double majoring in biology, and art studio-photography emphasis, means that I have not had a lot of experience writing like this.
I have done many scientific papers, and analyzing artwork, and reflection type papers but that is a very different than, writing features. I think that is one of the major reasons that I have struggled with the class as much as I have. I can normally pick up on things pretty easily, but this has been a bit different.
I have also enjoyed interviewing people. I actually thought that this would be one of my least favorite things about the class, but I have really come to like it. Especially when the subject I am writing and interviewing about is of interest to me, I find it fun to talk to others and see how different people see things. But it is hard to turn those interesting interviews into a story!
I hope that my personality shines through into my writing. I find this a little ironic, considering that we are supposed to be a silent observer. How are we supposed to shine through the description of a story that we are only on the sidelines? That is a tricky balance.
I think the key to making my writing livelier is to write more descriptively. This is also very challenging. I think that writing with anecdotes, is the key to doing this.
I am a little sad that this will be my final blog post. I maintain a blog for our family, but I have been able to write thoughts and feelings, that I normally wouldn’t write, or voice out loud on our family blog. I guess that I just don’t want to seem too vulnerable to our friends and family.
This class has been a wonderful learning experience. I have really enjoyed it!
Thursday, July 15, 2010
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
Writing is...
I expect my writing to be a reflection of the thoughts in feelings inside me. I expect my writing to have a piece of me, large or small depending on the material. Writing is such a strong tool, and critical to communication. It can also be a form an art, or informative. I think a good writer, like I strive to be, uses both artistic and quality information to make the words come alive, and make it interesting to read.
Good writing is much more difficult, and more of a challenge than most people know. This is evident when you read a good novel, or informative news story. There are key tools that the writer is using to keep the audiences interest. A good writer uses words, phrases, layout, and design, all to keep the reader involved, and craving the next description of the scene.
I would like to think that all writers, including myself, could do this, but many cannot. But the fact is that this is a learned talent. Some are better than others. This is also something that needs to be practiced and perfected, which I intend to do.
Good writing is much more difficult, and more of a challenge than most people know. This is evident when you read a good novel, or informative news story. There are key tools that the writer is using to keep the audiences interest. A good writer uses words, phrases, layout, and design, all to keep the reader involved, and craving the next description of the scene.
I would like to think that all writers, including myself, could do this, but many cannot. But the fact is that this is a learned talent. Some are better than others. This is also something that needs to be practiced and perfected, which I intend to do.
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
Rough Draft Response
I think that many of my classmates had some good suggestions.
Some suggestions that I got were to go into greater detail, and don't assume that my reader know what I am referring to. This can be hard, but I think that it is critical to not losing the reader.
Also that I need to keep the reader interested in the beginning, middle and end. To finish strong, and not lose focus.
Overall, my classmates said that the article could be very strong with enough good interviews, and interesting visual pictures for the reader to conclude to.
I think that I have gotten some very good feedback and that this will be helpful to make my feature be more colorful, and appealing to not only readers, but to editors.
Some suggestions that I got were to go into greater detail, and don't assume that my reader know what I am referring to. This can be hard, but I think that it is critical to not losing the reader.
Also that I need to keep the reader interested in the beginning, middle and end. To finish strong, and not lose focus.
Overall, my classmates said that the article could be very strong with enough good interviews, and interesting visual pictures for the reader to conclude to.
I think that I have gotten some very good feedback and that this will be helpful to make my feature be more colorful, and appealing to not only readers, but to editors.
Query Letter
Stacy Nurrenbern
6499 Summit Pointe Way
Newburgh, In 47630
rsnurrenbern@woway.com
July 13, 2010
Jay Gardner, editor
Professional Photographers
319 Lafayette St
No. 135
New York, NY 10012
Dear Mr. Gardner,
Please consider the following 1,200-word story, “Building an Eye Catching Photography Portfolio,” a guide to help photographers begin composing a portfolio to stand out, and land fantastic job opportunities.
After subscribing to Professional Photographer, and reading the wonderful features, I think that this article would appeal to your audience.
Thank you in advance for considering “Building an Eye Catching Photography Portfolio.”
Sincerely,
Stacy Nurrenbern
812-490-26115
rsnurrenbern@wowway.com
6499 Summit Pointe Way
Newburgh, In 47630
rsnurrenbern@woway.com
July 13, 2010
Jay Gardner, editor
Professional Photographers
319 Lafayette St
No. 135
New York, NY 10012
Dear Mr. Gardner,
Please consider the following 1,200-word story, “Building an Eye Catching Photography Portfolio,” a guide to help photographers begin composing a portfolio to stand out, and land fantastic job opportunities.
After subscribing to Professional Photographer, and reading the wonderful features, I think that this article would appeal to your audience.
Thank you in advance for considering “Building an Eye Catching Photography Portfolio.”
Sincerely,
Stacy Nurrenbern
812-490-26115
rsnurrenbern@wowway.com
Monday, July 12, 2010
Query Letter 4.4
Example 4.4
Paragraph 1
I actually think that this might be an effective way to grab the editor’s attention, by using questions as an opening. But I don’t really like this method, I think that an editor might get annoyed with this type of query letter. I think that there are better ways to get the attention of the editor. I also think that the opening paragraph, and even opening sentence is probably the most important. Even if you have a very good article to sell, if they don’t get past the query letter, they probably won’t pick your article.
Paragraph 2
This is more of the same, continuation of paragraph. This also seems to be distracting.
Paragraph 3
I think that this glimpse into the article is nice. I think that there is a good amount of the story, and the sources in the story. This seems to be a good balance, of showing your writing skills, and selling the story at the same time. This I would say is the most interesting and strongest paragraph.
Paragraph 4
This describes the article a little more in depth, word length, and the major focus of the article. I like that she offers to do the photography work as well. This seems to be a growing trend, to have the writers take the photographs as well.
Paragraph 5
This describes the writer, and some brief history on what type of work has been published in the past. This is good, and it allows the editor to see that she is experienced as well. Which is always a bonus.
Paragraph 6
This is important. Thanking the editor for their time, this lets them know that you know how important their time and efforts are. I think this is the last thing that they read on the page, before considering reading the article. You want to leave them with a positive note.
Overall this is a good letter, but I would change the opening paragraph, I think it would be stronger if that were done.
Paragraph 1
I actually think that this might be an effective way to grab the editor’s attention, by using questions as an opening. But I don’t really like this method, I think that an editor might get annoyed with this type of query letter. I think that there are better ways to get the attention of the editor. I also think that the opening paragraph, and even opening sentence is probably the most important. Even if you have a very good article to sell, if they don’t get past the query letter, they probably won’t pick your article.
Paragraph 2
This is more of the same, continuation of paragraph. This also seems to be distracting.
Paragraph 3
I think that this glimpse into the article is nice. I think that there is a good amount of the story, and the sources in the story. This seems to be a good balance, of showing your writing skills, and selling the story at the same time. This I would say is the most interesting and strongest paragraph.
Paragraph 4
This describes the article a little more in depth, word length, and the major focus of the article. I like that she offers to do the photography work as well. This seems to be a growing trend, to have the writers take the photographs as well.
Paragraph 5
This describes the writer, and some brief history on what type of work has been published in the past. This is good, and it allows the editor to see that she is experienced as well. Which is always a bonus.
Paragraph 6
This is important. Thanking the editor for their time, this lets them know that you know how important their time and efforts are. I think this is the last thing that they read on the page, before considering reading the article. You want to leave them with a positive note.
Overall this is a good letter, but I would change the opening paragraph, I think it would be stronger if that were done.
Sunday, July 11, 2010
Magazine Feature Rough Draft
Byline: Stacy Nurrenbern
DEADLINE: July 11
SLUG: Building an Eye Catching Photography Portfolio
WORD COUNT: 367
Professional photographers must recognize that creating a well-crafted portfolio can be the difference between a well accomplished and well paid photographer, and a photographer that is out of work. (Quote here)
Many artist are intimidated by this job thinking that the work must only be the very best, and artist wait to long to get started creating a body of work.
This can be a very daunting task. The work to complete a professional-looking portfolio is long and difficult, and this is why many photographers do not compose this crucial element to being hired.
Artists are typically very critical of their own work; this is also why many photographers do not attempt the challenging task of creating a collection of work.
Step by step this article will illustrate some highlights to be considered as a photographers undertake this grueling job. (Quote here)
First, consider what type of presentation would be most effective. There are many different types; clamshell portfolios, digital portfolios just to name a few. It is possible that the presentation might be better suited depending on the job or audience.
Second, choose a theme. This is also crucial to the audience that will be seeing the portfolio. The wrong collection of work will not impress the next potential boss.
Third, choose the right photographs. Remember when choosing images, it is not necessary to include every good image, or even every great image. The audience will lose focus if the presentation is too long. The purpose is to have each image viewed and valued.
Fourth, consider making both a printed portfolio as well as a digital portfolio. In such digital age crazed era it is imperative to show all prospective viewers a wide range of talent.
After completing a physical portfolio and a digital portfolio, contemplate making several portfolios. A collection of only black and white images, or a collection of drastically different work, consider using only a specific camera for each additional portfolio. (Quote here)
Portfolios have many different purposes. One of which is to land the dream job, but that is not the only function of a well-crafted portfolio.
DEADLINE: July 11
SLUG: Building an Eye Catching Photography Portfolio
WORD COUNT: 367
Professional photographers must recognize that creating a well-crafted portfolio can be the difference between a well accomplished and well paid photographer, and a photographer that is out of work. (Quote here)
Many artist are intimidated by this job thinking that the work must only be the very best, and artist wait to long to get started creating a body of work.
This can be a very daunting task. The work to complete a professional-looking portfolio is long and difficult, and this is why many photographers do not compose this crucial element to being hired.
Artists are typically very critical of their own work; this is also why many photographers do not attempt the challenging task of creating a collection of work.
Step by step this article will illustrate some highlights to be considered as a photographers undertake this grueling job. (Quote here)
First, consider what type of presentation would be most effective. There are many different types; clamshell portfolios, digital portfolios just to name a few. It is possible that the presentation might be better suited depending on the job or audience.
Second, choose a theme. This is also crucial to the audience that will be seeing the portfolio. The wrong collection of work will not impress the next potential boss.
Third, choose the right photographs. Remember when choosing images, it is not necessary to include every good image, or even every great image. The audience will lose focus if the presentation is too long. The purpose is to have each image viewed and valued.
Fourth, consider making both a printed portfolio as well as a digital portfolio. In such digital age crazed era it is imperative to show all prospective viewers a wide range of talent.
After completing a physical portfolio and a digital portfolio, contemplate making several portfolios. A collection of only black and white images, or a collection of drastically different work, consider using only a specific camera for each additional portfolio. (Quote here)
Portfolios have many different purposes. One of which is to land the dream job, but that is not the only function of a well-crafted portfolio.
Friday, July 9, 2010
Rant
I want to quit writing! I am just so bummed. I know that this is my first time writing feature articles. But a 69%, really? I know that my teacher will probably be reading this, and this rant is not directed at her. I am just so frustrated with school right now! I need a break!
I have been going full time or more than full time since the summer of 2008. So this is my third summer, or third year, depending on how you look at it. I have gone from having 9 credit hours, to 91 after this summer.
To say that I am on the fast track would be an understatement. I am tired. My family is tired. We are broke, and having to use school loans to pay my tuition. So all of that with a 69% pretty much sucks!
I would love quit and just stay home, and take care of my family. That is what I miss. Cooking a dinner for my husband and children. But unfortunately Uncle Sam expects me to pay him back…. what kind of uncle is that?
I am sick this week, and facing a HUGE work load for the two classes I am enrolled in right now. So, this doesn’t help my outlook on things, when I am not up to par!
I am tired of having to drive out to campus everyday, have a lecture and lab, and them come home to more homework. I know going back to school was my idea. But a 6-month break would be wonderful.
I will end this tantrum, and hopefully in the morning I will be feeling better, so I am able to do the work that needs to be done this weekend!
I have been going full time or more than full time since the summer of 2008. So this is my third summer, or third year, depending on how you look at it. I have gone from having 9 credit hours, to 91 after this summer.
To say that I am on the fast track would be an understatement. I am tired. My family is tired. We are broke, and having to use school loans to pay my tuition. So all of that with a 69% pretty much sucks!
I would love quit and just stay home, and take care of my family. That is what I miss. Cooking a dinner for my husband and children. But unfortunately Uncle Sam expects me to pay him back…. what kind of uncle is that?
I am sick this week, and facing a HUGE work load for the two classes I am enrolled in right now. So, this doesn’t help my outlook on things, when I am not up to par!
I am tired of having to drive out to campus everyday, have a lecture and lab, and them come home to more homework. I know going back to school was my idea. But a 6-month break would be wonderful.
I will end this tantrum, and hopefully in the morning I will be feeling better, so I am able to do the work that needs to be done this weekend!
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