I've spent a lot of time today reading leads in news stories all across the web in an effort to prepare for my own, but my words have eluded me so far. Writer's block is pure torture, so all I can do is just write crap until I run out of it and begin producing something worthwhile.
Obviously, if I'm struggling to develop the skill, my kids are going to as well, so it'll be something we visit all year to build the muscle. Does anyone have any activities they do for practice? Any great daily warm-up activities? It's amazing how once the lead is captured, the rest comes so much easier.
Until my lead becomes apparent, I'm going to get super cozy with my 5 W's and the ever-important H in hopes of sparking inspiration.
Janice Johnson
Vista del Lago High School
Folsom, Calif.
I don't think you're alone, Janice.
ReplyDeleteI haven't really come up with good lead activities yet because I think you need to have the story details first. But I do have several lessons in which I give the students a set of details about a story and then they have to write the story, including the lead. You can simply have the students write multiple leads as part of the exercise, so they get more lead practice (thanks for the idea).
I was going to suggest on FB that each of us who wants to participate creates a series of these scenarios so we'll have a database of story writing lessons that we can share. I'd like to have 20 or 30 and use one a week. They could also lead into students editing each others' works as they become more proficient. Are you interested?
--Steve Caswell
Nope, you are not alone. I've been reading, researching, typing interviews, all in hopes of having the lead just pop right out at me like a Jack-in-the-box. I'm still cranking and Jack is still hiding. Good luck!
ReplyDeleteI love 'the lead' as a unicorn or Santa. Thanks for the giggle - I agree. Mythically unattainable.
ReplyDeleteJanice,
ReplyDeleteI'm immediately reminded of the six word exercise. Can you put your entire story into six words? Maybe it's the opposite method to take because i know that I find my purpose the more I write, but it might give you some inspiration to try to sum up your story in six words. And be brutal, only six words. Then maybe you can expand it a little later to get closer to a lead you want to use. (Since six words is like a longish headline).
Good luck!
I'm curious to see what you come up with!
Hannah Sagaser
Mandan High School
Mandan, ND
Thank you!!!!
ReplyDelete