WRITING TIPSHow to start a story, article, or blog

By Debbie Elicksen

Get Inspired from Other Writers

• Look at how other authors begin a chapter, paragraph, or section to get an idea on how to craft something to make the words sing off the page. The first line is what grabs the reader’s attention and makes them want to read more.

Let’s Use This Sports Illustrated Issue for An Example

Hollywood’s Captain Clutch by Jim Gorant

Derek Jeter is not really a great player, but thanks to the Yankees’ free-spending habits, he’s been on a lot of great teams.

Maker’s Mark by Chris Mannix

Let’s talk about the video, the three-minute mixtape that catapulted a skinny kid with an oversized game onto the national stage.

The Believers by Michael Rosenberg

Ryan Boatright clung to opposing players all month, and after Monday’s national championship game, he finally found somebody to hug him back.

X Factor by Lee Jenkins

Wedged between the Toyota Center and the Salvation Army in downtown Houston is a sunken basketball court shielded by a canopy of live oaks.

The Best Deal Ever by L. Jon Wertheim

There was no official death notice. The documents are sealed, there will be no autopsy.

Then Jonathan Was Shot Dead By Police by L. Jon Wertheim

Tucked away in a neutral corner of Tallahassee, the Renegade Boxing Club is in a converted warehouse, accessible only by a dirt path and spartan even by boxing-gym standards.

I Can Quit You Baby by Steve Rushin

The Philadelphia 76ers have given up for Lent.

Compiled by Debbie Elicksen

Email: debbie.elicksen@gmail.com

Website: http://www.freelancepublishing.net/wp/

About Me: http://about.me/debbie.elicksen

Virtual Newsmakers: https://www.youtube.com/user/VirtualNewsmakers/about

Cyber Crimefighter: http://debbieelicksen.wix.com/cyber-crimefighter