# Write the Story

Part of the Journalism Merit Badge Digital Resource Guide: [Introduction & Overview](https://merit-badge.university/merit-badges/journalism/guide/index.md)

*3. Storytelling and Interviews*

> **3a.** Choose a current or an unusual event of interest to you, and write either a hard news article OR a feature article about the event. Gear the article for print OR online OR audio OR video journalism. Share your article with your counselor.

This option turns you into the reporter. Your first job is to choose an event that gives you enough real material to work with. A school performance, local tournament, community cleanup, town decision, or unusual local happening can all work well.

## Step 1: Choose Your Angle

The same event can produce very different stories. A hard news angle might focus on the decision, result, or announcement. A feature angle might focus on a person, behind-the-scenes work, or the atmosphere of the event.

For example, a school robotics competition could become:

- a **hard news story** about who won and why the event mattered
- a **feature story** about one team's months of preparation and problem-solving

## Step 2: Match the Platform

If you write for **print or online**, your structure and quotes carry most of the story. If you choose **audio or video**, think about sound, pacing, visuals, and what the audience can hear or see.

### Hard news usually includes

- a direct lead that gives the most important information fast
- key facts high in the story
- quotes that confirm, explain, or react
- short background near the end

### Feature writing often includes

- a scene, moment, or strong image to open
- more description and pacing
- a central theme or character
- a satisfying ending that reflects the meaning of the event

**Reporting Plan for Option 3a** — What to gather before you write

- [ ] **Basic facts:** names, dates, times, locations, results
- [ ] **Quotes:** at least two useful comments from people involved
- [ ] **Observation:** what did the place sound, look, or feel like?
- [ ] **Context:** why should the audience care about this event?
- [ ] **Platform choice:** print, online, audio, or video

> **Be Prepared! If your first idea falls apart**
>
> Sometimes an event gets canceled or the story turns out to be too thin.
>
> - **Pivot quickly:** Keep a backup event in mind.
> - **Narrow your focus:** One person or one moment may be more interesting than the whole event.
> - **Report what changed:** A cancellation or surprise can become the story.

In [Req 4](https://merit-badge.university/merit-badges/journalism/guide/req4/), you will cover a public event in a more structured way. This option gives you good practice before that requirement.

When your draft is done, read it aloud. If the story feels confusing, missing, or slow, revise the order until the most important ideas are clearer.

Now move to the next option page if you want a path built around interviewing an influential person.

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- Previous: [Choose a Storytelling Challenge](https://merit-badge.university/merit-badges/journalism/guide/req3/index.md)
- Next: [Interview an Influential Person](https://merit-badge.university/merit-badges/journalism/guide/req3b/index.md)