The basics of writing, especially when it comes to journalistic features, are captured in just a handful of words: who, what, when, where, why, and how. The 5 W's and an H -- that's what we called them in school. As you work to capture the important stories in your life, don't forget to include these vital details too. Years from now, your family will cherish the conversations, inside jokes, hopes and dreams, good times and bad times that you've recorded, but they'll also be glad that you included these basics about the photos in your layouts:
- WHO is the subject of your photo
- WHEN was the photo taken
- WHERE was the photo taken
The WHAT and WHY are the things we most frequently convey in our stories, but sometimes we forget to include the other details. We assume that if we are writing our journaling directly to our loved ones (especially if they are the subject of the photo), that they'll know we are talking to them, but future generations won't have that same knowledge.
We'd like to see your creative tips and tricks for including this basic information on your layouts. Our {wst} boutique is full of great products to make this process easier, including date stamps, tabs, and more. Post your tips in our {writer's notebook} forum and add your layout to our {storytelling} gallery; make sure to include a link so we can leave some praise for your work.
Don't forget -- this week's Book Fair begins today with a great kit from Kathryn Wilson: Frenetic!
We're also thrilled to announce our newest {education} offering at {we are} storytellers: ListMania, a new 2-week class designed to help you take ordinary lists and turn them into {extra}ordinary stories.
When it
comes to sure-fire journaling strategies, creating lists is at the top
of my…err, list. "ListMania: Scrapping the Nouns in Your Life” is a
two-week class that will provide you with seven journaling prompts that
begin with list-making and move on to additional techniques for
expanding your journaling into layout ideas and full-fledged stories.
For each prompt, you’ll also receive a layout sketch / template and 2-3
typography techniques, with full step-by-step instructions. Daily forum
threads will provide additional resources and information, as well as
give us all a place to share our questions, comments, and ideas. At the
end of two weeks, you’ll have seven layouts that tell your stories by
documenting the things you choose to surround yourself with. Class
participants will receive access to a private classroom forum with
daily handouts, as well as a classroom gallery where they can upload
their layouts. Class begins November 9th and runs through November 22.
Best
of all, if you register for class before midnight EST on October 31st,
you'll get a coupon for 35% off your next purchase at {we are}
storytellers!
write on,
{storyteller} aud

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