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:

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.