The Center Cannot Hold

In "Los Angeles Notebook," Joan Didion uses not only an unconventional story structure, but also unconventional sources. Identify five such sources in the story, sources that mainstream journalists would be unlikely to consult or cite. You can make a simple list, but be prepared to discuss in detail the consequences of her redefining who or what constitutes a credible source.

How to Write a Story

Go to the link below titled "How to Write a Story" for some literary advice in the form a poem. Also check out the anti-war poems in New Verse News, another kind of journalism timed to be published with the troop surge in Iraq.

The Procedural

Morris Markey's literary journalism piece, "Drift," belongs to a genre referred to as "the procedural." To your mind, what characteristics of the piece make it an example of the genre?

Or, if you prefer, you may respond to this question: "Drift" contains elements of noir. Identify and briefly explain one.

Remember, we're practicing good writing here, not just literary analysis. Your comments should be crisp and clear. Avoid generalizations, tortured syntax, and muddy language.