Week 1

Students focus on what they are interested in and how they can tailor those interests into a marketable article.

Week 2

Students learn how to do preliminary research about their subject matter. Students also complete an outline for their article as well as determine if an interview is necessary. During this week, students also explore interviewing techniques.

Week 3

Students research potential markets for their article. They learn to glean submission guidelines and other pertinent information.

Week 4

Students write their article utilizing researched material and by conducting interviews when necessary.

Week 5

Students utilize this week to continue the writing of their article. Students submit completed article and potential markets for facilitator critique and feedback.

Week 6

Students edit and proofread their article and prepare it for submission. If time permits, they will also submit the article. Students will also explore proper submission techniques and methods including spacing, paper choice, email, contact with editors, etc.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
SAMPLE LESSON WEEK 1
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

For this week's assignment, I want you to explore exactly what you are interested in. This will help us build the rest of the class to better focus on your goals and ideas so that we can tailor those interests into a marketable article.

There are several ways to determine what you want to write about. The first way is to choose things you have education or training in. This might include your English degree or any other certifications or training you have gained along the way.

The second way is to choose hobbies that you are personally interested in. This would include your travel and outdoor interests but is not limited to hobbies or interests you already have. You might also look at exploring things that interest you that you haven't already done. Is there something that you have always wanted to take a closer look at but haven't? Along the lines of travel writing, what in your region interests you that you haven't visited?

Along the same line, is there a subject or topic that riles you up or makes you angry? What topics make you passionate enough to write about them? Do you write letters to companies already to let them know how you feel?

Another way is to explore the everyday, seemingly mundane details about your life. Children, husbands, households, laundry, etc. offer a wide range of subjects and fresh new ideas every day. What amusing or sad anecdotes do you tell people at parties? What happened the last time you went to the grocery store?

A fifth way to explore your interests is to look at your past or what you see happening in the future. There are many nostalgic magazines and readers that are interested in these types of stories.

The first part of your assignment for the week is to write down ten things you are interested in writing about. This can be a combination of any of the above areas or one of your own thoughts. The second part is to write down a potential story idea for each of these ten ideas. Don't limit yourself to what you might consider "normal" ideas or interests. Try thinking "out of the box". Make your ideas original not only to the market but to yourself. What can you write that no one else can? What spin do you think you can put on a story idea.

Next week, we'll research potential markets for these stories ideas, look at interviewing, narrow the scope, and begin outlining. As you write down your ten areas and story ideas this week, keep in mind any potential markets that you might be interested in.