Q&A for How to Write a Newspaper Article

A great lede should be enticing enough to make the reader want to stick around. It helps, as a writer, to think about what attracts you when you're reading pieces or flipping through a magazine. What grabs your eye? What makes you look at something a little bit longer than you might otherwise?

Be open as a writer to constructive criticism! Early on in their careers, a lot of writers will put real hard effort into an article—they'll send it to an editor, only for it to come back all marked up. They'll feel like they've been insulted and that the editor didn't somehow didn't like their work, when it's just the editor sharing how the writing could be made better.

Allows the author to divulge information otherwise unknown to the reader. If in the context of a piece of professional analysis or otherwise, it makes the writing more professional.

Normally, one article is written per happening. However, if the happening causes ripples and keeps people in a hyped state, it most likely deserves a follow-up article.

You can't, because it is news. As a journalist, you can give only facts, no opinion.

You can, but consider doing it in the third person. You will sound more unbiased, and people will listen to you more.

News articles generally contain a headline, date and location, are short and include quotations from relevant people.

Attend a local government meeting for ideas, ask friends and family if they know of any interesting events, or think of a new angle on a current story.

Usually, within the article, you'll be using the date an event happened. The date you are writing is only relevant if the situation has unfolded since the initial event. (You would then use a phrase like "As of X date..." to bring people up to speed.) If you are writing for a publication, it's important to remember the date that your publication hits the streets. It's also important to remember the shelf life of the publication. If it's a daily newspaper, for example, you can use words like "yesterday" and "this weekend." However, if it's, say, a monthly magazine, you'll want to use specific dates.

A newspaper article should be clear and concise. Remember to only state facts -- no opinions. As long as you follow these guidelines, you should be able to tell what a good length is on your own.

We, the citizens of X alone can preserve and maintain the integrity of our nation. If we cannot help each other to become aware of what really is going on, how can we blame others who try to influence us. If we have a firm and stable mind, no one can control us and lure us to perform corrupt and inappropriate actions and if we don't have that kind of a mind then we all will have to face its terrible consequences.

First, write the date at the top left corner, then add a header or a title. Then write as many paragraphs as you feel like. Finally, write a goodbye or closing.

First, think about a current issue or social topic that you find interesting. Make sure to pick something that you can research pretty easily, or that you have existing knowledge/expertise on. You should also consider your audience. For example, if you're writing for a high school paper, an article about taxes probably won't be very interesting to the majority of your readers.

Unless you are a nationally known expert, your work is not likely to be published. There is a very small chance if you submit it as a letter to the editor that it could be printed. If you have specific knowledge, it's a better bet to contact a specific reporter and give him/her specific information.

You can, but you should label it as "satire" so that people know not to take it seriously.