Download - Ledes
LEDESAlso known as leads. Also known as “the
beginning of your story”
IN THE BEGINNING
A strong beginning draws in the reader and holds
the reader.
It’s the hook, prime real estate
There are many different ways to start, and most
writers will try several different beginnings
before finding the best one.
For some reason, many writers find that the
second paragraph should usually be the first one.
STRAIGHTFORWARD/SUMMARY
The Algerian military launched an operation on
Thursday against armed Islamist extremists
holding dozens of hostages including Americans
and other foreigners at a remote gas field, and a
top Algerian official said at least four hostages
were freed in the violent assault. But there were
unconfirmed reports of multiple casualties among
the kidnappers and hostages — and the United
States, Britain and Japan all said the Algerians
had not informed them in advance.
—New York Times, Jan. 17, 2013
SCENE & DESCRIPTION
“Lindsay Lohan moves through the Chateau
Marmont as if she owns the place, but in a
debtor-prison kind of way. She’ll soon owe the
hotel $46,000. Heads turn subtly as she slinks
toward a table to meet a young producer and an
old director. The actress’s mother, Dina Lohan,
sits at the next table. Mom sweeps blond hair
behind her ear and tries to eavesdrop. A few
tables away, a distinguished-looking middle-aged
man patiently waits for the actress. He has a
stack of presents for her.”
—Times Magazine, January 10
OTHER OPTIONS
Begin with a great quote
Begin with a startling fact (see today’s NY Times
story about fecal transplants...seriously)
Begin with an anecdote—a story your
interviewee shared with you
Begin with something you learned that you found
interesting
AWARD WINNING LEDES
Check out some ledes from days of yore that were
award winners.
Pay attention when you read news and magazine
stories to the various ways writers begin their
stories
Play around and try a few different kinds of ledes
with every story.