NEWS YOU CAN USE. Maybe you saw these stories. Maybe you missed them, but it seems to me that these are among the pieces I’ve read recently that might elicit some form of short memoir – an op-ed, or personal essay – from you. Once or twice a week I’ll bring you up to date on news pieces I find provocative. Here are some I like right now:
- The woman who taught us to spell R-e-s-p-e-c-t gets engaged
- Diet. Will there be no end to the confusion over protein versus carbs?
- Thank you. I did wonder what that seemingly endless movie was about.
- First it was the lawyers, now the doctors. Advertisements for ourselves.
- Get a device for the holidays? Are you apping-up? Apps hit record high.
Surely you have something to say. Use one of these as a news peg.
Have one to add? Send it along, and I’ll gladly post your name and website link.
Looking for inspiration or guidance on how to write a personal essay? Look at my blog categories for NPR essays, parenting essays, and more. All of the pieces there have been published, or have aired on the radio. See my interactive calendar for more inspiration. And write on.
Grace Peterson says
If you’ve got a spare moment, the link below is by far the most interesting news I heard this past year. Even after I finished reading, it kept ruminating in my brain.
http://www.oregonlive.com/portland/index.ssf/2011/12/war_bride_esther_gavin.html
marion says
Hi, Grace.
That is breathtaking. Oh my goodness. What a tale. I can see why it has stayed in your mind. Thank you for passing it along. I suspect I’ll be thinking about it for years.
Grace Peterson says
I thought you’d find it intriguing. And amazingly, the story isn’t over yet. A Facebook friend of mine who has worked with the policeman that was killed a year ago is posting updates. I’ll let you know what happens next.
marion says
Oh, please do. Thank you.
Nancye Tuttle says
Thanks for tips for getting started this year…I already posted something on my FB page about Aretha’s engagement and plan to do a little more on my blog since I interviewed her when she was an opener at the Boston Pops. Loving all your suggestions, Marion..a true inspiration to all us writers out there.
Happy New Year!
marion says
Hi, Nancye.
Welcome to the blog.
Thank you for your kind words.
Ooooh, you interviewed Aretha. How cool is that?
I’m delighted you find the site inspiring. That’s my goal.
Happy new year to you, too.
And do come back soon.
Nancye Tuttle says
Hi, Marion,
Yes, I interviewed Aretha, but it was actually more of an interview with then Pops conductor John Williams, since Aretha was very quiet, almost shy during the press conference. She was an imposing presence on stage, though, that night.
All the best,
Nancye
marion says
Oooooooh. I say, oooooooooooh: John Williams and Aretha. Oooooooh. Cool dogs.