Embedding Instagram Videos and 16 Writing Tips For Better Stories
Recently, I have been encouraging students to embed Instagram videos and photos in their stories, which is tip #16 of the writing tips we have been going over this week in class.
Embedding Instagram videos and photos is easy and the three steps below should walk you through the process. Below these three steps are the rest of the writing tips.
STEP ONE:
Go to your Instagram page on a computer. Click on a photo or video and the following image with three little dots in the corner should appear.
STEP TWO:
Click on the three little dots by the comments box and then click embed. The embed code then should appear.
Step Three:
Click on the green Copy button and then copy and paste the embed code into a post.
EXAMPLES of INSTAGRAM VIDEOS AND PHOTOS IN STORIES
Mark Bigler Share Tragic Drunk Story
Orchestra Goes for ‘Epic’ at Dessert Concert
Mr. Rogers’
Journalistic Writing Tips
#1: An interview isn’t ten questions. It is a conversation usually over days or weeks.
#2: Write with energy and passion. Bad writing is still pretty good if it has an intensity to it.
#3: Write everyday. I firmly believe that doing anything for 10,000 hours will make you great.
#4: Be specific. Great writing is descriptive and isn’t broad, obtuse, or vague.
#5: There are two kinds of stories. Stories where a reporter has gone to an event and has real quotes and one that doesn’t.
#6: Write about people. Journalism is all about the people involved in a story.
#7: Embrace failures and mistakes. Most first drafts are not very good. Don’t give up!
#8: Read great writers! Create a Twitter list of writers you like and follow their work over an extended period of time.
#9: Writing is like being a great chef. Make sure to have many great flavors and ingredients.
#10: if your mom tells you she loves you… Check it out! Fact check your story. Make sure your quotes and facts are right.
#11: Make the lead pop. A great description or an interesting fact that leads into a good quote is always good. Don’t lead with a quote, name or date.
#12: End with a quote. Ending are hard and a great way to end a story is with a good quote.
#13: Be very concise and cut out what isn’t needed. Great writing is like a good reduction. Boil down gallons of juice into a thick sauce that has a punch.
#14: The news and sports sections should reflect your school, but the opinion section should be a vision what you want your school to become.
#15: Meet your deadlines. Turn something in so that editors and advisers can help develop the story.
#16: Instagram-Tweet. Tweet photos, videos, quotes, scores and good info to develop interest in stories as they are happening. Embed them in your story once you have finished or posted it.
