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.