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.
Virginia says
Hi Marion – Quick note to say I’m loving what you’re doing with this site and I enjoyed your recent She Writes posts. Just letting you know that the NPR and parenting essay links from your regular News you can Use posts are not working properly. It might be because they are category pages. I’ve found them anyway but thought you should know.
Shannon Lawrence says
I like how you use news stories to trigger an essay; great idea! I’ve been meaning to write down something I reacted to so I could address it in writing and see what came about from it, but it’s one of those things that lives on The List.
Shannon at The Warrior Muse, co-host of the 2012 #atozchallenge! Twitter: @AprilA2Z