Pitches

Write out three "pitches" for three different Ampersand articles that you might write for this year's publication.

1. The format that works for me is always the story format. Essays bore me, speeches anger me, and discussions make me feel obligated to interrupt and respond. If I wrote a story about my experiences, I just feel like I would engage more people in my article.

2. Maybe it could be done as a script? Like a script for a show? I feel like that would be an interesting turn for our writing.

3. What about a comic book form? I recall reading a very well written book in Diana's class called The Complete Persepolis. The life story of an Iranian woman from childhood to her present life. The entire book was done in a comic book form, and I think we might be able to do something similar.

Articles

Post links to three or more example articles that could provide inspiration for your Ampersand article. Along with each link, write at least one paragraph in which you explain what that example provides for you in the way of inspiration, a good model to work from, a guide, etc.

500 Greatest Albums of All Time by The Rolling Stone

Who better to make an example of than The Rolling Stone? Known throughout the country as one of the most respected music magazines in the U.S. The Rolling Stone has had thousands of issues all with incredible and intriguing articles about everything from the hottest music to the best movies. The Rolling Stone is pop-culture with class.

Part of why I respect this particular article (or articles) so much is just how the authors write about each of the albums included in this list. The way they write just makes me think that talking to them in person would just be the most amazing experience; listening to someone speak with such formality and intelligence.

Social Animal by David Brooks of The New Yorker

Another "duh" moment in writing examples. The New Yorker is another esteemed magazine that flawlessly provides the public with high level writing every month, along with entertaining one-panel comics. While The Rolling Stone writes on a high level that the everyday person can just pick up and read, The New Yorker writes three levels higher. You can probably assume that each writer from The New Yorker has been to and graduated from college, which just makes the magazine even more of an accomplishment for all those involved.
Sailor Awarded Silver Star by J. Harry Jones from The Union Tribune
I really like this one because of the fact that it doesn't sound like an article, it sounds like a story. I personally think that the story format is the best way to write something simply because it can keep the readers interest so easily. And with the topic of this topic and the way it's written, it sounds like the kind of story that would be told to a child as they were going to bed for the night.

Interviews

Post links to two exemplary interviews that you can use as models for your mentor interview.

Under each link, describe the writing techniques that the author/interviewer uses to create a finished piece of writing that both accurately portrays the interview subject as well as results in a polished work that the reader can enjoy.


Jennifer Nettles from Sugarland

This interview has a nice introduction that sounds just like any "Rock-umentary." It starts off listing their most popular album followed by their current tour and performances. I really like this one because it's simple, it's quick and easy to follow. The first thing you see on the page is a picture of the album that is being discussed in the interview, followed by some key words that are that album and a few of their songs. The interview itself is set up in a fashion that think is ideal. It starts each question and answer starts with the name of who is speaking, bolded and a font size bigger.
"ACountry: Hi Jennifer, how is your day so far?"
I feel that this is the best way to keep a reader in an interview article. Another thing that I like is that they just let the words that are said stand on their own. They don't need to edit the answers they get to achieve any sort of effect for their article.

Simon Pegg from Spaced

This is actually very similar to the other article that I chose. I find myself pondering that if all interviews done with a celebrity instead of someone like a politician. Nonetheless I find this interview interesting, and I think the reason for that is because it actually sounds like an interview that I would have. In fact, it does sound like the interview that I had with my mentor, Mrs. Strong.

Consider the structure of the overall piece, what information is in the beginning and/or end, if an introduction is used, if there is additional writing throughout the piece, if there are references to any follow up questions, physical formatting, etc.