Crane-ium

Is Stephen Crane's "Man Falls, a Crowd Gathers" news? Why or why not? (Feel free to respond to each other's comments, not just the question.)

If you prefer, you can answer these questions instead. . .

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? How does this help with or determine the structure/organization of the piece?

The piece has a noir-ish atmosphere. What is the connection of that atmosphere to the point or theme of the piece?

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.

Your response is due by 3 p.m., Wednesday, Feb. 1.

Welcome to Literature of Journalism

Tell me something I ought to know about you that will help me help you as a writer -- your aspirations, your fears and doubts, your literary or journalistic heroes, etc. Your comments should be as clear and complete as you can make them in a  blog post. Remember this is my introduction to your writing. Impress me. Or at least don't bore me. (Lesson #1: Boring readers is among the worst things you can do to them. What's the worst? Probably to unintentionally confuse them.)

Please respond no later than Wednesday, January 25, at 3 p.m.

13 Writing Tips

http://chuckpalahniuk.net/workshop/essays/chuck-palahniukhttp

Software to Tell "Better" (?) Stories

http://www.observer.com/2012/01/episode-12-evan-ratliff-of-the-atavist-building-software-to-tell-stories/

Comics Journalism

Please describe the links, if any, between comics journalism and literary journalism. Is it possible to consider comics journalism a subgenre of literary journalism? Why or why not? You may -- in fact, should -- refer to my essay on Joe Sacco in your response, which should be completed by 4 p.m., Wednesday, May 4.

Gonzo

What is gonzo? How's the practice or concept related to Hunter S. Thompson? Do you consider yourself a gonzo journalist? Would you like to be one? Why or why not?

Your response is due Sun., April 10, by 4 p.m.

Breslin/Hamill

Although written only five years apart and about similar events, the Breslin and Hamill stories feel vastly different. Identify one literary technique that, to your mind, contributes to this different feel and explain how it contributes. You might choose, for example, from point of view, narrative structure, choice of language, and so on. Please be as specific and complete as possible. Your response should be posted by Wednesday, March 30, 4 p.m.