| How to Eat When Pregnant with Twins Posted: 17 Aug 2016 05:00 PM PDT You've just had an ultrasound with your doctor and found out you're pregnant with twins. You may think of this as an excuse to load up on food to feed two mouths instead of one. However, twin pregnancies are considered high-risk pregnancies, as they require a little more attention and care than a normal pregnancy.[1] It is important that you eat foods and maintain eating habits that will provide all the necessary nutrients for you and for both of your babies. Rather than overload on carbs or sugary foods, you should focus on eating mineral and nutrient rich meals that will ensure your babies are healthy in and out of the womb. EditAdjusting Your Diet - Increase your daily calorie intake. Part of the myth of having twins is true: you will need to up your calorie intake for the day. You should consume about 600 extra calories a day, depending on your pre-pregnancy BMI, activity level, and physician's recommendations.[2]
- You can also calculate the number of calories you'll need each day by multiplying the number of kilograms you weigh by 40 or 45.[3] So, for example, if you weigh 62 kilos, you can multiply that number by 40 and by 45 to get a range of 2,480-2,790. This range represents the number of calories you should probably eat each day.
- However, how you get these calories is even more important than the amount of calories you consume. You should maintain a well-rounded diet that has a balance of protein, carbs, and healthy fats. 20 to 25 percent of your calories should be from protein, 45 to 50 percent of your calories should be from carbs, and 30 percent of your calories should be from healthy fats.[4]
- Avoid overeating and going over your suggested calorie intake. Rapid weight gain can put your babies at risk and lead to other health issues.[5]
- Consume food high in essential vitamins and minerals. When you're pregnant with twins, it's important to fortify your diet with enough vitamins and minerals in every meal of the day. Focus on increasing your levels of folic acid, calcium, magnesium, zinc, and iron, as well as several other vitamins and minerals to keep your babies healthy.[6]
 - Protein: An average size woman needs 70 g of protein a day. Pregnant women are advised to consume 25 g more protein per baby, so add 50 g to your daily protein intake when you are pregnant with twins. Protein helps your babies to grow and develop their muscles in the womb. Go for high protein sources like lean meats (beef, pork, turkey, chicken) as well as nuts, yogurt, milk, cottage cheese, and tofu. Avoid fatty protein sources such as fatty cuts of beef or pork, sausage, bacon, and hot dogs.
- Iron: This is a key nutrient to ensuring your babies grow properly and have a healthy birth weight. Consuming iron while pregnant will reduce your risk of hypertension, anemia, and preterm delivery. Get at least 30 mg a day of iron. Good iron sources include red meat, seafood, nuts, and fortified cereal.[7]
- Vitamin D: This nutrient helps to increase blood circulation in your placenta and helps your babies absorb calcium in the womb. Pregnant women should get between 600-800 IU (International Units) of Vitamin D a day.[8]
- Folic acid: Maintaining high folic acid levels will help reduce the risk of birth defects. Consume at least 600 mg of folic acid a day.[9] Most prenatal vitamins contain folic acid (or folate). You can also find it in the form of spinach, asparagus, or fruits like oranges and grapefruits.
- Calcium: Consume at least 1,500 mg a day of this essential nutrient.[10] Infants need a lot of calcium to build strong bones as they develop in the womb. Milk and yogurt are good sources of calcium.
- Magnesium: This is another essential nutrient that will help to decrease your risk of premature labor and help to develop your babies' nervous systems. Have at least 350-400 mg per day of this nutrient.[11] You can get magnesium from nuts like pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, and almonds, as well as wheat germ, tofu, and yogurt.
- Zinc: You should consume at least 12 mg of zinc per day.[12] Maintaining high zinc levels will lower your risk of preterm delivery, a low birth-weight for your babies, and prolonged labor.[13] A good source of zinc is black-eyed peas.
- Have meals that cover all five food groups. Your daily meals should cover all five major food groups (fruits, vegetables, grains, protein, and dairy) to ensure you are getting the right balance of nutrients and minerals.[14]
 - Have 10 servings of grains a day. For example, 10 servings of: one slice of multigrain bread, ⅔ cup of cereal, ¼ cup of muesli, and ½ cup cooked pasta, noodles, or rice.
- Consume nine servings of fruits and vegetables a day. For example, nine servings of: ½ cup of vegetables like spinach, asparagus, or baby carrots, one cup of salad, one medium fruit like apple, banana, or ½ cup of fresh berries, two smaller fruits like plums or apricots, and 30 g of dried fruit.
- Consume four to five servings of protein a day. For example, four to five servings of: 65g cooked lean meat like beef or pork, 80g cooked chicken or turkey, 100g cooked fish like salmon or trout, two eggs, 170g cooked tofu, 1 cup legumes or lentils, and 30g nuts like almonds, seeds like pumpkin seeds, and tahini.
- Have three to four servings of dairy a day. For example, three to four servings of: one glass (250ml) of non-fat milk, one glass of soy or rice milk with added powdered calcium, one tub (200ml) of yogurt, and one to two slices of hard cheese.
- Eat cakes, cookies, and fried foods on rare occasions. Though you are not restricted to not eating these unhealthy foods, you should only eat them in small amounts and on the rare occasion when you have a craving for cookies you cannot ignore. Avoid consuming empty calories, as this can lead to an unhealthy weight gain and provides little nutritional value for your babies.
- You should also limit your consumption of artificial sugars, such as candy and sodas. Avoid foods cooked in trans fats and go for foods cooked in healthier oils like olive, coconut, and avocado oil.
- Avoid certain types of food during pregnancy. As with a normal pregnancy, you should avoid certain foods when pregnant with twins, including:[15]
- Raw or partial uncooked eggs.
- Raw or undercooked meat.
- Sushi.
- Raw shellfish.
- Cold cured meats, such as deli meats.
- Herbal teas.
- Unpasteurized cheeses, which may contain the listeria bacterium. (Queso dips often contain unpasteurized cheese.)
- While doctors used to recommend pregnant women stay away from peanuts, studies now suggest that eating peanuts and other tree nuts (as long as you are not allergic to them!) during pregnancy can help reduce your babies' risk of developing allergies to them.[16]
- Create a daily meal chart. One way to ensure you get enough nutrients while pregnant with twins is to create a meal chart that you can fill in every day. It should contain all five food groups as well as the suggested servings of each food group. You can then note how many servings you ate per day and note any gaps or missed food groups in your meals.
- Go grocery shopping with a list based on the suggested servings per day. This will help you limit any unhealthy meals and ensure you are consuming enough vitamins and minerals through the food you eat on a daily basis.
EditAdjusting Your Eating Habits - Have healthy snacks to help with nausea and sickness. These symptoms are common early in your pregnancy and can last up to 16 weeks. It's important to try to still eat and drink despite any nausea or morning sickness. Rather than tuck in for a big meal, eat small healthy snacks throughout the day to keep your nausea in check. This will also help improve your digestion and reduce any heartburn you may be feeling while pregnant.[17]
- Keep crackers, fruits (berries, plums, and bananas are all easy to eat fruits), low-fat yogurt packs, pre made smoothies (with no additives or preservatives) and protein snacks on hand for quick, easy to prepare snacks.
- Drink enough fluids. Sipping water throughout the day will ensure you stay hydrated. Though you may end up running to the bathroom every five minutes, drinking lots of water will help with your babies' blood flow and waste removal.[18]
- You should drink about 10 cups (2.3) liters of water each day while pregnant.[19] You can confirm you are well hydrated by looking at your pee; it will be pale in color if your body is hydrated.[20]
- Try to drink more water earlier in the day and then reduce your water intake after 8 pm. This will allow you to sleep longer at night without having to get up constantly to use the bathroom.
- You can have some caffeine while pregnant. Limit it to 200mg a day -- about two cups of brewed coffee. Avoid higher intakes than this, as high caffeine intake during pregnancy is associated with infant health problems.[21] Avoid consuming caffeine at the same time as you take iron supplements or eat foods that contain iron, as caffeine may interfere with iron absorption. Wait to eat for at least an hour after having a cup of coffee.[22]
- There is no safe level of alcohol consumption while pregnant.[23]
- Eat foods high in fiber to help with constipation. As your babies grow, they will put pressure on your bowels. Your gut will also need to slow down its digestion process to absorb all the vitamins and minerals you are consuming. So you will likely experience constipation when pregnant, and will need to consume high fiber foods to help your gut digest.
- If you experience constipation, eat more fruits, vegetables, legumes, nuts, seeds, and bran based cereals throughout the day. You should also do light exercise like walking and gentle stretching to keep your bowels regular and stimulate your digestive system.
- See your doctor if you experience rapid weight gain or frequent headaches. Twin pregnancies have an increased risk of preeclampsia. In this condition, the mother has increased blood pressure, protein in her urine, and more swelling than normal in pregnancy. Swelling is especially pronounced in the face and hands. Rapid weight gain and headaches are possible symptoms for preeclampsia and require immediate examination by your obstetrician.[24]
- Your obstetrician will treat your symptoms based on the severity of your condition. She may recommend bed rest and medication for less severe cases, or the immediate delivery of the babies, which is the only "cure" for preeclampsia, for more severe cases.
- You should be aware that the recommended weight gain for twins is more than for a single pregnancy. Healthy women with a normal BMI before pregnancy should gain between 37-54 pounds during a twin pregnancy,[25] as opposed to between 25-35 pounds for a single pregnancy.[26] Your doctor will recommend a weight gain that's appropriate for you.
- Talk to your doctor if you experience any preterm symptoms. Twins have an increased chance of being born early or preterm. If you experience any bleeding or vaginal discharge, diarrhea, pressure in your pelvis or lower back, and contractions that become more frequent and close together, you should notify your doctor or obstetrician.[27]
- Even if you may not be going through pre term labor, it's important to address these symptoms for the safety of your babies.
EditTaking Supplements - Talk to your doctor about vitamin and mineral supplements. Most pregnant women can get the necessary iron, iodine, and folic acid from their diet, but your doctor may also suggest taking supplements if you skip meals often, have a low appetite, or have other health issues.[28]
- Avoid taking supplements without consulting your doctor first.
- Do not double your supplements when you are pregnant with twins. Having too many vitamins and minerals in your body can be harmful to your babies. [29]
- If you are vegan, or do not eat a lot of dairy in your diet, you may need to take calcium supplements. Vegans may also need a B12 supplement. As well, pregnant women should take a folic acid supplement each day to ensure they have the right amount of folic acid in their system.
- Do not take fish liver oil supplements, high dose vitamin supplements, or supplements containing vitamin A as these can be harmful to your babies.[30]
- Ask your doctor about herbal supplements before you take them. The FDA does not evaluate or regulate natural herbal supplements, so the quality and strength of the supplement may vary between different manufacturers or even different batches. However, the FDA recommends that pregnant women always check with their doctor about the safety of taking an herbal supplement before buying it or consuming it. Some herbal supplements may contain products that are not safe for pregnant women and may endanger your babies.[31]
- If you are interested in herbal supplements to help alleviate any issues in your pregnancy, speak to a trained, certified herbalist. Ask your doctor for a referral to a reputable herbal specialist.
- Remember that while it's important to eat a balanced diet, it's equally important to treat yourself. Pregnancy comes with many stresses, so if you feel like the occasional ice cream or chocolate, it's okay to indulge from time to time (unless you're diabetic or develop gestational diabetes).
EditRelated wikiHows EditSources and Citations
Cite error: <ref> tags exist, but no <references/> tag was found
|
| How to Respond To a Subpoena Posted: 17 Aug 2016 09:00 AM PDT A subpoena is a legal document that orders the recipient (whether a person or an organization) to provide sworn testimony at a predetermined time and place pertaining to a legal investigation or proceeding.[1] There are also other types of subpoenas, which may command you to supply materials in your possession (subpoena duces tecum) or appear to provide a deposition in the discovery phase of a trial (deposition subpoena).[2] Regardless of the type of subpoena you receive, knowing how to respond to the document is the first step in properly complying with the order. EditReceiving the Subpoena - Determine if what you received is actually a subpoena. A subpoena will have the word 'Subpoena' near the top of the document and the full name of the court that issued the document will appear in the letterhead.[3] A subpoena will also state that you are "commanded to appear" (or similar language) to a specific location at a specific date and time, and it will list the materials you must produce in the case of a subpoena duces tecum.[4]
- Accept the subpoena. Subpoenas usually arrive via registered mail or a legal delivery service, which means that they require a signature. You don't stand to gain anything by refusing to accept the subpoena (refusing to sign for the document). Accepting the subpoena is not the same as agreeing to comply to the subpoena, and you will still have options to object to the subpoena even after you sign for it.[5] All your signature does is confirm that you have received the order.
- Determine who subpoenaed you. A judge, a court clerk, a private lawyer, or a government lawyer (such as a district attorney) can send you a subpoena.[6] Most often, it will be a private lawyer in connection with a pending lawsuit to which you (or your organization) are not a plaintiff or defendant (a "party") at the time.
- The person who subpoenaed you will also sign the document and provide contact information. If you still aren't entirely sure if what you have received is a subpoena, you can call and ask the person who issued the order.[7]
- Only non-parties in ongoing litigation get subpoenas.[8] Therefore, you cannot object to the subpoena on the grounds that you are not a party to the lawsuit. The fact you are not a part of the lawsuit (but nonetheless might have information that is relevant to the case) is the reason you are being subpoenaed.
- Determine what you must produce. Read the subpoena closely to determine exactly what it has ordered you to do. You may have to:[9]
- Appear to provide testimony either at a trial or as a deposition
- Produce physical or electronic documents as part of an investigation or a trial
- A combination of both
- If you are a healthcare professional being ordered to produce records for a client, then look into your state's laws concerning disclosure of the information. Even in situations where you must produce the information, you must typically inform the client in writing either to allow the client to agree to the disclosure or provide adequate time for the client to object on their own behalf.[10]
- Contact your lawyer. Often subpoenaed non-parties can turn into targets of a criminal investigation or can be joined as parties to the lawsuit. Thus, it is important to know what the case is about and how it might affect your rights and interests. You may want to contact a lawyer to untangle the full implications of the subpoena and possibly protect yourself in the suit.
- You and/or your lawyer should also review the actual suit in addition to the subpoena to determine the scope of the case.
- Many court records are now kept electronically and can be easily found by searching on the court website for the listed party names. Alternatively, you should be able to get copies of such documents from the party who subpoenaed you.
- Do not destroy evidence. Failure to comply with the subpoena without a reasonable objection that the court has honored can lead to a contempt of court charge, which can carry a hefty fine or even imprisonment.[11] Destroying the documents sought by the court is a surefire way to be found in contempt.
- Where potential evidence is not in your personal control (for instance, your company was subpoenaed, and there are multiple people who may have relevant documents), you should instantly issue a directive to all such custodians of documents to preserve those document and emails. Don't forget to notify the IT department who might have backups of files and emails that will need to be preserved.
EditObjecting to a Subpoena - Talk to a Lawyer. Even if you think you have nothing to hide, it is always a good idea to ensure that your own interests are protected. Especially if you are subpoenaed for a deposition, your testimony will be under oath and the lawyer asking you questions may lead you into saying things in ways that might make you vulnerable in a civil lawsuit or worse.
- Make objections. If you have a reason not to produce specific documents or provide deposition testimony (for example, if the information sought is confidential), you can answer with a list of written objections or can file your own "Motion to Quash." This motion is basically a request to the court to change or terminate the subpoena with an explanation of why you feel you shouldn't have to comply. There can be several reasons to challenge a subpoena:[12]
 - Privileged or confidential information - Some information is entitled to a measure of protection under the law, including trade secrets; communications with a spouse, lawyer, accountant, or clergy person; and other categories.
- Fifth Amendment privilege - If providing the documents could incriminate you, then the Fifth Amendment protects you from being forced to testify against yourself if such testimony could subject you to criminal liability.
- Procedural flaws - The way in which you must be served the subpoena depends on the jurisdiction. Follow up with your attorney to determine if you were properly served the subpoena
- Non-custody - If you can't produce the material(s) the court has requested because they are no longer in your possession. Note that you'll likely have to document proof that the material(s) are no longer in your custody.
- Scope - A court may limit the amount of documents you must provide, grant you extra time to gather the materials, or even order the other party to pay for your copying costs.
- Have your lawyer submit a Motion to Quash. If one or more of the possible objections to the subpoena apply to your situation, then you should have you attorney submit a Motion to Quash the order.[13] Note that just because you file the motion, the judge doesn't necessarily have to grant it.
- The motion may also be to simply modify the subpoena to narrow the scope of the documents, give you more time to collect the materials you have been ordered to produce, etc.[14]
EditComplying with the Subpoena - Reschedule if necessary. If the date or time is inconvenient, you can request to reschedule by contacting the person who issued the subpoena. While you may be able to reschedule a deposition, you most likely will not be able to reschedule actual testimony as its bound to the court date. Further, if you have to travel a long distance (usually, over 100 miles), your travel costs will be covered. [15]
- If the person who issued the subpoena grants a change of schedule, request it in writing to protect yourself.
- Show up. For a subpoena that requires you to provide testimony or a deposition, you simply need to ensure that you show up at the assigned time and place listed in the subpoena. Depending on your situation and the questions you can anticipate being asked, you may want to seek the counsel of your attorney. This will help you determine the best way to answer each question legally without finding yourself in contempt of court.
- If the subpoena has been issued to a company, the company must designate an individual who is most knowledgeable about the topics stated in the subpoena. If no single person has all of the information requested in the subpoena, the company may still designate a single individual who would then educate himself/herself about the topics which he/she doesn't know.
- Produce everything in your control. Complying with the subpoena duces tecum means you must produce every document requested that is under your control. If any of the documents aren't in your possession, then you or your attorney must submit (and have granted) a motion to modify the scope of the subpoena before the set date.
- Provide copies of the requested documents. If an original of a documents must be presented, then the subpoena will say so. If the subpoena lacks this detail, then you should provide photocopies of any documents instead of the original. If the subpoena is for an electronically stored information, then you must present it in its ordinarily maintained form or a form that is still usable to the court.[16]
- Only give out one copy. You do not need to make copies of all the documents for every party in the lawsuit. One copy will suffice unless otherwise stated.
- Prove you produced the documents. After you deliver the documents, write a Declaration of Service or a Declaration of Compliance of Subpoena stating who you delivered the documents to; what you delivered; and how, when, and where you delivered them.[17] You keep this document until someone claims you didn't comply with the subpoena.
EditSources and Citations EditRelated wikiHows
Cite error: <ref> tags exist, but no <references/> tag was found
|
| How to Write a Feature Article Posted: 17 Aug 2016 01:00 AM PDT Feature articles are windows into the human experience, giving more detail and description than a hard news story, which typically relies on the style of writing. Features focus on an event or individual, giving the reader a chance to more fully understand some interesting dimension of that subject. Writing a feature article can be a highly creative and fun activity, but it does take hard work and planning to write an effective and engaging article. EditChoosing a Topic - Find a compelling story. Read the news and talk to people to find interesting stories. Think about what phenomena are happening and how you can talk about them in a new and innovative way.
- Do research on your topic. Finding out background information can help you figure out an angle and identify subjects to interview. Doing online research is good, but it may only get you so far. You may also need to consult books to make sure you are fully aware of the issues surrounding a topic. A historical article may require a visit to an archive.
- Decide on the type of feature you want to write. There are a number of ways to write a feature, depending on what you want to focus on. Some of these include:
 - Human Interest: Many feature stories focus on an issue as it impacts people. They often focus on one person or a group of people.
- Profile: This feature type focuses on a specific individual's character or lifestyle. This type is intended to help the reader feel like they've gotten a window into someone's life. Often, these features are written about celebrities or other public figures.
- Instructional: How-to feature articles teach readers how to do something. Oftentimes, the writer will write about their own journey to learn a task, such as how to make a wedding cake.
- Historical: Features that honor historical events or developments are quite common. They are also useful in juxtaposing the past and the present, helping to root the reader in a shared history.
- Seasonal: Some features are perfect for writing about in certain times of year, such as the beginning of summer vacation or at the winter holidays.
- Behind the Scenes: These features give readers insight into an unusual process, issue or event. It can introduce them to something that is typically not open to the public or publicized.
- Consider the audience you'd like to talk to. As you brainstorm story ideas, think about who will read these stories. Ask yourself questions such as Who will be my readers? and What kinds of angles appeal to these readers? For example, you might write a profile about a pastry chef, but you'll write differently depending on if your readers are aspiring chefs or if they are wedding planners looking to buy a wedding cake.[1]
- Consider the type of publication you're writing for. If you are writing for a magazine or blog with a very specific topic, such as gardening, then you will likely need to tailor your feature article to reflect that interest in some way. A newspaper, on the other hand, is meant for a more general audience and may be more open to varied content.
EditInterviewing Subjects - Schedule an interview at a time and place convenient for the interviewee. Ask your interviewee to tell you when and where the best place is for them to meet. If they give you a choice, ask for a quiet place where you will be relatively undisturbed for the duration of the interview.
- Schedule about 30-45 minutes with this person. Be respectful of their time and don't take up their whole day. Be sure to confirm the date and time a couple of days ahead of the scheduled interview to make sure the time still works for the interviewee.
- If your interviewee needs to reschedule, be flexible. Remember, they are being generous with their time and allowing you to talk with them, so be generous with your responses as well. Never make an interviewee feel guilty about needing to reschedule.
- If you want to observe them doing a job, ask if they can bring you to their workplace. Asking if your interviewee will teach you a short lesson about what they do can also be excellent, as it will give you some knowledge of the experience to use when you write.
- Prepare for your interview. Do research ahead of time to ensure that you are asking the most compelling questions. Have a long list of questions to keep the conversation flowing. Know your interview subject's background and experience, as well as their views on the subject that you're interviewing them about.
- Give a list of questions to your interviewee ahead of time. The direction of the interview should not be a surprise to the interviewee. Giving them the questions before the interview will help them be able to give more thoughtful answers.
- Arrive early for the interview. Your interviewee's time is valuable, so you don't want to waste the appointment rushing in and catching your breath. Get to the interview site early. Set up your audio recording equipment and test it out. Make sure you have extra pens and paper.
- Audio-record the interview. Use an audio recorder for the interview, but take notes throughout as well. There is always the possibility that your recorder will run out of batteries or memory.
- Be sure to ask your interviewee if it's okay to audio-record the interview. If you plan to use the audio for any purpose other than for your own purposes writing up the article (such as a podcast that might accompany the feature article), you must tell them and get their consent.
- Don't pressure the interviewee if they decline audio recording.
- Confirm details about your interviewee. You don't want to write a lengthy feature about a person only to find out that you've spelled their name wrong. Make sure you double-check the spelling of their name, as well as other details that are important to the story.
- Ask open-ended questions. Questions that rely on yes or no answers will not give you very rich information. Instead, ask questions that start with "how" or "why." These types of questions give the interviewee a chance to tell a story, relate details or give their opinion.
- Another good option is a question that begins Tell me about a time when.... This allows the interviewee to tell you the story that's important to them, and can often produce rich information for your article.
- Actively listen. Listening is a key component of a good interview. Don't give too many of your own observations, but do react to what they are telling you by smiling or nodding. People are more likely to continue talking when their audience is receptive.
- Ask follow up questions. Part of being a good interviewer is determining when someone is finished talking about a particular subject and when it will be helpful to prompt them for further discussion. You can also use your follow up questions to make connections between ideas.
- Make notes immediately after the interview. Make observations and notes immediately when you're finished with the interview when it is fresh in your mind. These might be observations about the location, what the person looked like, what they were doing or how they were carrying themselves.
- Transcribe the interview. Transcribing, or typing out the entire interview, can be a tedious task. It is essential for getting quotes correct, however, and it can be very helpful to be able to read what your interviewee said. Do this yourself or pay someone to transcribe for you.
- Send a thank you note to your interviewee. Thank them for their time, and give them an idea of when to expect the article about them. This is also a chance when you can ask a few follow-up questions if you find you need more information.
EditPreparing to Write the Article - Choose a format for your article. Feature articles do not have a particular formula the way hard news articles do. You don't need to follow the "inverted pyramid" style of writing that conveys the "who, what, where, when and why" of a news story. Instead, choose a more inventive way to write a story. Some possible formats may include:
- Start by describing a dramatic moment and then uncover the history that led up to that moment.
- Use a story-within-a-story format, which relies on a narrator to tell the story of someone else.
- Start the story with an ordinary moment and trace how the story became unusual.
- Decide on approximate length for the article. Newspaper feature stories run between 500 and 2,500 words, while magazine features run from 500 to 5,000 words. Blog features run from 250 to 2,500 words.
- Check with your editor to see how long they would like your article to be.
- Outline your article. Start piecing together your article by reviewing your notes, selecting quotes, and drafting a structure for the article. Start with your introduction and decide how you want to build the article. What information do you want to reveal first? As you get to the conclusion, think of the overall theme or lasting impression you want to leave with the reader.[2]
- Consider what you absolutely must have in the story and what can be cut. If you are writing a 500-word article, for example, you will likely need to be very selective about what you include, whereas you have a lot more space to write in a 2,500 word article.
EditWriting the Article - Write a hook to open your story. Your first paragraph is your chance to hook your reader and draw them into your story. If the opening paragraph is dry or difficult to follow, you will lose your reader and they won't continue on to the rest of your story.
- Start with an interesting fact, a quote, or an anecdote for a good hook.
- Your opening paragraph should only be about 2-3 sentences.
- Expand on your lead in the second paragraph. While your lead might draw people in, your second paragraph (and subsequent paragraphs) need to start explaining the reason for the story. Why are we reading this story? What is important about it?
- Follow your outline. You've drafted your article in outline form, which can help you stay on track to building a good feature article. The outline can also help you remember how details connect to each other and how quotes support certain points that you're making.
- Be flexible, however. Sometimes when you write, the flow makes sense in a way that is different from your outline. Be ready to change the direction of your piece if it seems to read better that way.
- Show, don't tell. By writing a feature article, you have the chance to describe people and scenes to the reader.[3] Describe a setting or person so that the reader can clearly envision it in their mind.
- Don't use too many quotes. While it can be tempting to include the interviewee's own words in the story, don't rely too much on quoting them. Otherwise, this becomes more of a straightforward interview. Write around their quotes to give them context, build the story and help the reader interpret what the interviewee is saying.
- Choose language that is appropriate to your readers. Consider the target audience of the publication for which you are writing and write to their level and interest. Do not assume they are familiar with what you're talking about, so you may need to explain certain things. Be sure to spell out acronyms and explain jargon or slang. Write in a style that is more conversational, rather than stiff and academic.[4]
- Keep your opinion out of the article. A feature article is a piece that conveys information and detail about a person or phenomenon. It is not an opportunity for you to give your opinion on a topic. Rather, your personality is conveyed through your writing style.[5]
- Revise your article. Once you finish writing, put the article away for a day to get some distance from it. Come back to it when you are fresh and read through it all the way. Think of ways to sharpen descriptions, clarify points and streamline explanations. What areas do you need to cut out? What areas need additional information?
EditFinalizing the Article - Check for accuracy, and check again. The last thing you want to do is write an article that does not have accurate details or information. Double-check how names are spelled, the order of events, and other pertinent details.
- Have your subject read your article. Not all feature writers do this, and in fact, some may argue that this can detract from the journalistic quality of a piece. But many subjects often want to see their article before it is printed in order to make sure they feel they are represented properly and fairly.
- You can choose to incorporate or not incorporate their suggestions.
- Check spelling and grammar. Do not detract from your feature article with misspelled words and poor grammar. Consult "The Elements of Style," which is the standard for proper grammar usage.[6]
- Consult "The Associated Press Stylebook" for style guidelines, such as how to format numbers, dates, street names, and so on.[7]
- Get feedback on the article. Ask a friend or colleague to read through the article. Your editor will also give you feedback. Be open to this feedback and don't take it personally. They want you to write a good, solid article, and will give you advice on how to change, clarify or expand on what you've already written in order to make the best article possible.
- Write a headline. Your publication might write headlines for you, but if you want the initial entry into the article to be reflective of your content, write a headline that does so. The headline is short and to the point, using no more than about 10-15 words, if that. A headline should be action-oriented and should convey why the story is important. It should grab the reader and draw them into the article.[8]
- If you want to convey slightly more information, write a sub-headline, which is a secondary sentence that builds on the headline.
- Submit your article by the deadline. Make sure your article is submitted to your editor or to the publication on or before the deadline. Late articles usually do not get printed, and then all of your hard work will either be delayed until the next issue or not published at all.
- Ask to see a proof of your article before it gets published. This is a chance for you to give one final review of the article and double-check details for accuracy.
- Be sure to represent your subjects fairly and accurately. Feature articles can be problematic if they are telling only one side of a story. If your interviewee makes claims against a person or company, make sure you talk with that person or company. If you print claims against someone, even if it's your interviewee, you might risk being sued for defamation.[9]
EditSources and Citations
Cite error: <ref> tags exist, but no <references/> tag was found
|
No comments:
Post a Comment