Blog Project

Before we move on to investigative journalism/documentary project, let's use today to set up a blog. For groups who have not yet completed your newsletter, you should do that as well.

First off, many of you are probably familiar with what a blog is, but if not, here you go--some important information:

A blog is a web log or web journal. A journal written online. Just like your physical writing journal, a blog can include ideas for stories, your own personal reaction to books/films/national events, etc. It can be a good place to publish your poetry, fiction, and plays before you eventually get paid for your writing. Some companies and media sources hire writers to set up and contribute to a company blog--and they pay you for it! For more info check here.

However, there's a lot to know about blogging. Check out the links below and read a little about blogs before attempting to create one.
5 Reasons Why You Should Consider Blogging

Here's a few sample writers blogs (with tips about being a writer)
Sample Blog
Sample blog
Sample blog (writing tips)
Sample blogs and types: Teen Blog #1, Teen Blog #2, Teen Blog #3, Teen Blog #4, Teen Blog #5, Teen Blog #6.

To set up your blog:

1. Go to blogspot.com or (tumblr.com). You may use blogger (read link to set up this), this is Google's blog site and you can use a Google email address, if you have one. The choice is yours.
2. You may take a quick tour, if interested. Otherwise, create a new account.
3. You must enter an email account (if you have no email, use one from your family; if this isn’t working, use an email account from a trusted and valued friend.) You can set up a new email account at gmail.com. This is a free service. Your email account name will be your “username”
4. Create a password, display your name, look at terms of service, etc.
5. Log onto your blog. Follow the prompts to set up your page.
6. You may provide biographical info and so on. At some point, you will need to create a NEW Post. Each new post needs a title and you should edit it before you post it.

Today, you will need to set up your Blog and write the following posts:

A. An introduction to your website. Welcome your guests and explain that you are a student @ SOTA, taking a creative writing course. This is important so that people know you are a teenager. Feel free to omit (leave out) your last name. You can also use a pseudonym if you'd prefer for privacy sake.

B. Write a short non-fiction entry about something you feel passionate about. You can rant, rave, etc. but remember that your blog is a public forum and other people in the world can access your writing. Don't embarrass yourself. Check your spelling and language so you don't come across as ignorant or unskilled. As always, it is important for a writer to think about his/her audience.

These two blog entries will be graded as participation credit. Please complete them today. If you finish early, you may either continue to read "Chew on This", research other blogs on the internet, or write another post for you blog on a different (your choice) topic.

HOMEWORK: Magazine projects need to be turned in! They are late! Complete your reading of Chew on This. Bring your book to class on Wednesday. Complete the posts if you didn't finish them in class.