NEWS YOU CAN USE. Maybe you saw these stories. Maybe you missed them, but 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 a week I’ll bring you news pieces I find provocative.

Here are some that get me going:

  • Will Lin’s success end stereotypes?
  • We have met Homer and he is us.
  • Really? NASA and National Geographic have signed on the launch this?
  • Hold on. Honestly? There are women who are voting for this man?
  • I’m confused. Do the people who design these clothes even like women?

Surely you have something to say using one of these as your news peg.

Looking for inspiration or guidance on how to write a personal essay? Look at my categories for NPR essays, parenting essays, and several other topics. All of the pieces there have been published, or have aired on the radio. If those don’t work, see the interactive calendar for more inspiration. And write on.

See a typo, a grammar flub, my (ever-present) overuse of commas? Point it out, and I’ll throw you in the pool for a monthly free book giveaway. Which book? One of mine – your choice – all of which were professionally copy edited, thank goodness.