Journalism is complex but the secret to good storytelling is simple: people love to read about people.
This hands-on course explores techniques for writers such as case studies, sourcing expert views and playing up the human interest to build empathy with your readers and make your stories really come alive.
This four-week course will be taught online. This includes one lesson per week over four consecutive weeks on the same day, plus practical exercises, ongoing feedback and a critique of a draft feature for your chosen publication.
This course is suitable for all professional writers — from career starters beginning their writing career to established journalists looking to refine their skillset in an increasingly competitive freelance market.
These insider-knowledge secrets could help you break into new markets and widen your writing portfolio.
David Atkinson is an established freelance journalist with bylines including the Telegraph, Guardian and Daily Mail. He is also a Lecturer in Media at the University of Chester, teaching news reporting and feature writing across undergraduate and postgraduate modules.
What does the course include?
Session 1: Tell your story
- Introduction to basic storytelling techniques to engage your reader
- Human interest to explain complex subjects
- Telling the story of your brand
- Critique stories for next week
Session 2: People make stories
- Homework feedback
- Case studies and experts
- Impact quotes and balancing views
- Get the best of interviewees
- Making interviews count — interview practise
Session 3: Know your reader
- Homework feedback
- Speak your reader’s language
- Know your publication
- Target sections, style and subjects
- Mood board exercise
Session 4: Writing a draft
- Homework feedback
- Models of story structure
- Key story elements
- Finesse your story
- Minute paper, final questions and get ready to pitch.
Getting there
This is an online course that will require around 3-4 hours of work each week.
About David Atkinson
David Atkinson is an established freelance journalist with bylines including the Telegraph, Guardian and Daily Mail. He is also a lecturer in media at the University of Chester, teaching news reporting and feature writing across undergraduate and postgraduate modules.
