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:
- I, for one, am happy men are not going extinct. And you?
- Changes to the so-called “bible” of psychiatry on the diagnosis of PTSD
- Is nature all but gone from children’s books?
- Really? Who’s going to break it to the cat?
- Ah, our Day Dream Believer. We’ll miss you, Davey.
- Such very bad news, indeed.
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.
Ruth says
Thanks so much for this site, Marion. I just noticed your request for proof-reading finds and it feels like Easter Egg hunting. I found one, I found one! What a great idea to keep sweepstakes lovers coming back. Here’s my contribution… Davy (RIP) has no “e”. All kidding aside, I’m looking forward to reading more of your posts.
marion says
Hi, Ruth. Oh my. Many thanks for this. Davy needed nothing extra, did he? I really did love the Monkees, and I do not care who knows it. I’m delighted you found me. You are most welcome. Please look around and come back often. I’ll look forward to seeing you again.