vertical logoWriter's Week
 Cleveland Pro Chapter Newsletter
 Oct. 22, 2010  (Next deadline Oct. 27)


President's Message
Claudia Taller

Narrative writing develops writer's

personal style


One of the hardest tasks a reporter encounters is how to tell a reverberating story.  Narrative writing goes beyond factual reporting and paints a picture of what happened, using sensory connections, characters, scene and a sense of time passing to create a relationship between the narrator and the reader. Bob Baker of the Los Angeles Times defines "narrative" as "any technique that produces the visceral desire in a reader to want to know what happened next."

 

Does one start at the beginning or in the middle?  Or does one start at the end and go backwards?  The best thing about being a writer is you get to choose the best way to tell the story.  You tell it in a way that's uniquely yours, in your own voice. One book I highly recommend is Ben Yagoda's The Sound on the Page, which explores the idea of individual voice and also provides insight into the writing rhythms, styles, and thoughts on writing of famous writers. For example, James Wolcott said, "I never use words in print that I wouldn't use in conversation. There are all these words you see in print but in fact nobody ever says. Words like 'hauntingly lyrical' or 'indefatigable,' which is even hard to say. If somebody said that to you when you were talking, you'd be embarrassed." 


Over time we begin to find our voice, through the act of writing itself, and the more we write the more we develop an experience-enhanced innate sense of the best way to tell a story. The ultimate goal, we know in our hearts, is that we'll tell the reader something that he wants to know because we tell it in an engaging way. 
  
Claudia Taller
President
From the SPJ national convention in Las Vegas
Cliff Anthony
Cliff Anthony

"Lost $10 and inhaled a lot of second-hand smoke." That's how I explain when friends ask me about my recent trip to the Sin City. I was among the 750 people who converged in Las Vegas for the annual convention of the Society of Professional Journalists. I won't venture to narrate all the topics discussed at the three-day event.
However, let me share  a few highlights.

The Buckeye State was thrust into the spotlight because two Ohioans were
installed to top posts. Hagit Limor, an investigative reporter for WCPO-TV in
Cincinnati, is the new president. James Pilcher, business projects reporter for The Cincinnati Enquirer, is the new director of Region 4 that serves Ohio, Michigan and parts of Kentucky, Pennsylvania and West Virginia. The Cleveland chapter also received an award for being one of the top three in the nation.

Outgoing President Kevin Smith exhorted SPJ members to push for the passage of the Shield Law, which would protect journalists from disclosing their sources. With the mid-term election around the corner, when candidates knock on your door or visit newsrooms for endorsements, ask them to make a commitment to pass the Shield Law.

Declining membership was a common concern raised at the business session, which was attended by more than 60 delegates. The reasons are obvious: economic downturn and layoffs in the newsroom. To encourage unemployed and under-employed journalists, SPJ plans to extend the present system of permitting the late payment of dues without losing the membership privileges.

A panel discussion on the responsibilities of the social media drew a large audience. Bloggers, tweeters, Facebook-users and citizen journalists are not exempt from lawsuits for libel, character assassination and misinformation, among other items. The medium may be different, but the ethics and responsibilities are no different than that of a journalist employed by a news organization.

If you're writing an opinion piece, "make it obvious that you're stating your opinion and not facts," urged Monica L. Dias of the law firm Frost
Brown Todd, at a panel discussion on "Social Media: The Safe Way." Dias' other recommendations include: Don't encourage illegal activity and violence, don't divulge others' private information, don't impersonate, don't plagiarize and watch your language.

Among the other panel discussions were "The Pulitzer Public Service Challenge," "All Platform Journalism: The Good, Bad and Reality," and
"Journalists on the Line: Dangers of the Borderlands Beat."

For a comprehensive coverage of the convention, visit spj.org.

Cliff Anthony
Past President
Job openings
Thanks to Kelly Blazek for her dedication and commitment in seeking out most of the jobs posted below. To receive her full newsletter (we only excerpt media-related jobs) see the separate box headlined Cleveland Job Bank below.


Layout and Graphics Editor
The Lorain County Magazine seeks a part-time layout/graphics editor. Please contact, Lou Acosta at 440-670-7017.

Entry-level position at Sun Newspapers
Sun Newspapers is looking for an entry-level reporter for Medina County and southwest Cuyahoga County.
Qualifications
Candidates must have a journalism degree or equivalent experience, a passion for community journalism and a willingness to connect with readers on the local level.
Position requires strong writing and reporting abilities for both print and online.
Photography skills are a plus.
Interested candidates should contact Executive Editor Linda Kinsey at lkinsey@sunnews.com. No phone calls, please.

Technical writer - Quadax

Quadax, a leader in medical billing services and software, currently has an opening for an entry-level Technical Communication Specialist to write, update, and edit technical documentation for our healthcare revenue cycle management and reimbursement support solutions. The technical writer will work closely with the development team to produce online user manuals, software release notes, and related product documentation. In addition, the writer will collaborate with the documentation team in creating Web content, training materials, and company newsletters. 
Responsibilities 
Produce accurate, user-friendly documentation of software products based on careful research and interviews with subject matter experts
Organize information from multiple sources and create online help that follows technical communication standards 
Assist with assessment of needs and product training for internal users and clients
Develop other product, client, and marketing communications as needed
Requirements 
College degree in technical communication or professional writing preferred; an equivalent combination of education and experience in technical communication acceptable
Experience (1-3 years) creating documentation and online help; experience in software documentation in the healthcare medical billing field a plus
Demonstrated excellence in writing and editing clear, concise content
Effective communication, organization, and time-management skills
Ability to grasp complex technical concepts quickly and translate them into simple terms
Capable of working on multiple projects simultaneously while maintaining close attention to details
Proficiency in Microsoft Office products and online help authoring software (RoboHelp); proficiency in graphics preparation tools, HTML, Dreamweaver, screencasts (Camtasia), and desktop publishing a plus.
Apply at
http://www.careerbuilder.com/

Editorial Manager - Thomson Hine
We are seeking to fill an Editorial Manager position. This position is responsible for the overall content strategy, writing and editing for the firm. This includes managing all tasks and personnel involved in the creation of written materials for the Business Development Function. This position will be based in Cleveland.
Responsibilities:
Serving as editor for written content produced by the Business Development function, including but not limited to proposals, marketing/collateral material, website, publications and announcements, and lawyer biographies to maximize impact and results and project a common "voice" across firm materials. 
Managing a team of two writers and providing necessary training, direction and coaching. 
Establishing and managing editorial standards and ensuring consistent and appropriate usage. 
Responsible for managing and developing new content as well as regularly updating content, as appropriate. 
Serving as the firm's information source relative to proposal activities and proactively looks for best practices, externally and internally, to apply to work product and process management. 
Managing quality control to ensure content is up to date, accurate, technically sound and adheres to ethical guidelines. 
Coordinating with and utilizing resources from other departments including Finance, Library, Human Resources, Information Services, and other internal and external research providers when necessary. 
Keeping abreast of current professional journalistic, communications and marketing trends. 
Qualifications: Candidates will possess a Bachelor's degree, along with a minimum of 10 years relevant experience or equivalent in fields such as marketing, public relations and communications. Must be comfortable working in a fast-paced environment and have a solid understanding of editorial, publishing, writing, marketing and project management principals. Previous law firm and/or professional services experience is a plus.
Contact: Human Resources
3900 Key Center, 127 Public Square, Cleveland, Ohio 44114
HR@thompsonhine.com

Basic Writing Coordinator _ Case Western Reserve University
The Department of English in the College of Arts and Sciences at Case Western Reserve University seeks candidates for two or more full-time, non-tenure-track positions teaching in our writing programs (http://www.case.edu/writing).

Basic Writing Coordinator: A full-time Lecturer to coordinate and teach basic writing courses in the university's seminar-based general education program (SAGES).

Qualifications: PhD in Rhetoric and Composition or related field required. Specialization in basic writing, applied linguistics, and/or writing across the curriculum preferred, along with a strong record of training and experience in teaching college-level developmental writing courses.        

Responsibilities: Teaching the equivalent of four courses per year, overseeing curricular development and placement processes for basic writers, and providing appropriate faculty support for the SAGES program.

Initial appointment is for one year beginning June 1, 2011 and may be renewed for up to two additional one-year periods.

ESL Writing Instruction: One or more Lecturer positions in ESL writing instruction.

Requirements: Ph.D. in TESOL or related field required, along with a strong record of training and experience in teaching university-level writing courses for non-native speakers of English is desirable.

Responsibilities: To teach First Seminars in our SAGES program designed for ESL writers and to collaborate with faculty in the seminars in our SAGES program. Teaching load is the equivalent of six courses per year.

Initial appointment is for one academic year beginning August 2011, and may be renewed for up to two additional one-year periods.

Electronic applications consisting of a letter of application and a curriculum vitae should be sent to englectsearch@case.edu by Nov. 15.

Other inquiries to Kurt Koenigsberger, Director of Composition, English Department, Case Western Reserve University, 11112 Bellflower Road, Cleveland, Ohio 44106-7117. 


Talk Producer - Ideastream

Position Summary: 
Create live public affairs talk and call in productions, associated packaged program elements and web content of high quality and relevance that is valued and used by audiences. 
Responsibilities: 
Plan, coordinate and control all aspects of productions and production elements on multiple platforms. 
Perform producer duties such as: writing or assembling stories, inserting or directing the insertion of desired visual effects. Also may include pitching story, segment and show ideas and proposals, researching, interviewing, supporting host/reporter performance, field producing, production design, budgeting and editing. Direct the gathering, editing and mixing of video and audio, and voice reports on multiple platforms. 
Serve as leader in program/project activities. 
Prepare and present program and project reports. 
Maintain meaningful program related relationships with regional, state and national sources 
Participate in on-air fundraising as needed. 
Qualifications:
Awareness of critical community issues, trends, and leadership, in-depth knowledge of evolving production techniques and technology and general business know-how 
Demonstrates the highest journalistic standards and judgment. 
Supervisory and problem solving skills. 
Demonstrated creative ability across a broad range of formats, styles and media. 
Adept at research, story and show planning and development. 
Demonstrated broadcast production skills. 
Demonstrated organizational skills and the ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously. 
Excellent oral and written communication skills. 
Demonstrated conflict resolution skills. 
Ability to consistently work well with others, demonstrating at all times respect for the diverse constituencies of public broadcasting. 
Experience: 
A moderate level of experience producing high quality, high impact journalism. Experience in live television, radio a plus. 
Education: 
Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university or equivalent experience.

Application Deadline: Nov.1
Reports to: Production and Special Projects Director
 
Qualified candidates must submit a cover letter stating the reasons you are right for this job and our organization, a resume and work samples via email to: HR@ideastream.org

Or to the following address: 
Attn: Human Resources 
WVIZ/PBS and WCPN 90.3 ideastream 
Idea Center 
1375 Euclid Ave. 
Cleveland, OH 44115 

CBS Radio General Sales Manager

CBS Radio Cleveland is looking for a proven leader with a track record in sales & management.

Responsibilities: Leading, hiring, training & managing the sales staff to achieve sales budgets & outpace the market; increasing revenue by developing creative sales opportunities, managing inventory & pricing effectively; & maintaining client relationships. WDOK-FM, WKRK-FM, WNCX-FM, WQAL-FM

Requirements: Minimum Education Level Associate Degree or Equivalent Experience 
Additional Candidate Instructions

Apply online at www.cbsradio.com. Please include in your cover letter where you heard about our opening.

Assistant Professor of Digital Media - Ashland University

Website: http://www.ashland.edu
Ashland University's Journalism & Digital Media Department seeks applications for a tenure-track Assistant Professor of Digital Media beginning August 2011.
Ashland's newly formed Journalism & Digital Media Department is looking for a passionate and experienced digital journalist to help teach and deliver digital media content within a unique, converged, small-college media program. Department looking for someone rooted in traditional journalistic principles who understands diverse and quality storytelling using the latest digital media content creation software and hardware. Successful candidate will become part of an award-winning faculty and teach courses such as Global Impact of Social Media, Digital Media Technologies and Multimedia Reporting.

Responsibilities: A 21-hour teaching load, active scholarly agenda, university service and student advising.
Requirements: A Ph.D. required, ABD considered. Teaching and relevant journalism and media experience preferred.

Review of applications will begin Nov. 15 and continue until the position is filled. Please send cover letter, curriculum vitae, statement of teaching philosophy, evidence of teaching effectiveness, and contact information for references to Professor Tim McCarty at tmccarty@ashland.edu.

WJW FOX 8 NEWS-TV  - Several positions

Associate producer
Reports To: News Director 
Candidate must have two years producing experience and be a creative, accurate writer. Strong knowledge of news, sports and ability to produce both is necessary. Non linear editing experience preferred. Ability to work on various platforms including internet, mobile and broadcast. 
Position Description: Need exceptional candidate with solid news and sports judgment who can write and produce with flair. Excellent communication and time management skills required. 
Education Requirements: College degree preferred and or experience equivalent. 

Reporter
Reports To: News Director 
Position Description: To gather, and present the news for the newscasts and station website. The Reporter will be required to generate daily story ideas as well as special project ideas. Be an enterprising and aggressive reporter with multimedia skills and knowledge of various technology and equipment used to perform daily duties. Develop contacts within the area and maintain those contacts on a regular basis. Represent the station at community functions and events as required. Work closely with the Executive Producer, Assignment Editors, Show Producers and Website Producers, writing scripts, editing copy and gathering visuals. Be on-call for news events. Have strong live and presentation skills, exceptional editorial judgment. Performs other duties as assigned. Must have at least three years of professional broadcast experience. 
Education Requirements: College degree preferred 

Multi-media journalist
Reports To: News Director 
Position Description: Gather, report and present news on various platforms, including but not limited to mobile, internet and broadcast. Excellent writing and editorial judgment. Strong live and presentation skills. Flexible to work different shifts and schedules. Must be a self starter, enterprising and aggressive. Report, shoot and edit under any type of weather condition or deadline. Ability to shoot and edit video clips on non-linear systems. Familiar with using FTP, Skype and other emerging technologies. Requirements include web posting of text, video, pictures etc. and incorporating social media into day-to-day coverage. Work alone or with co-workers to complete story and or segment for air, web or mobile. Maintain inventory of all assigned equipment and responsible for its upkeep. Communicate maintenance issues to proper personnel. Other duties as assigned.

Education Requirements: College degree preferred and or experience equivalent. 

Producer
Reports to: News Director 
Position Description: The primary responsibility of the News Producer is to produce, write and gather information and graphics for highly produced newscasts, programming and station websites. The Producer is responsible for writing and producing news stories, show opens and graphics elements. The Producer will be required to fill in on other newscasts or the station website
. 

Requirements: Two years minimum producing experience. Demonstrate excellent writing and communication skills. Have knowledge of computers. Must be extremely flexible to work different shifts and schedules. Have the ability to work under extreme pressure and deadlines. Must keep up on local, state, national and international events. Must work individually as well as part of a team. Work on various platforms including broadcast, mobile and web. Quick writer, must know spelling and grammar, have strong communication skills, be detail oriented and have good news judgment.

Interested parties in WJW positions can submit resumes and references via e-mail or US Mail at: Attn: Human Resources, fox8.jobs@fox8.com WJW, 5800 S. Marginal Road, Cleveland, OH 44103

aboutusWriter's Week is a service of the Cleveland chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists. It is updated weekly and edited by Carrie Buchanan, John Carroll University journalism educator, assistant editor Emily Gaffney, a John Carroll University student,  and associate editor Dr. Richard Hendrickson. Send news items and job & internship postings to spjcleveland@me.com

Address: Cleveland SPJ,4337 Chanticleer Drive, Fairview Park, Ohio 44126-1906

Chapter e-mail: Cleveland@spj.org

President: Claudia Taller ctallerwrites@wowway.com

SPJ Cleveland Chapter Web site:

http://www.spjchapters.org/cleveland/

 

The Society of Professional Journalists works to improve and protect journalism. SPJ is dedicated to encouraging the free practice of journalism and stimulating high standards of ethical behavior. Founded in 1909 as Sigma Delta Chi and based in Indianapolis, SPJ promotes the free flow of information vital to a well-informed public, works to inspire and educate the next generation of journalists, and protects First Amendment guarantees of freedom of speech and of the press.

Events Calendar
Final Cut Pro Workshop
with SPJ Cleveland Board Meeting to follow

Saturday, Oct. 23
9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Lorain Community College
(Advance registration required. This event is now full. )

Wise Up! Chapter 2
Literary Event and Fundraiser
for the Cleveland Heights, University Heights Public Library
Sunday Oct. 24
Nighttown, 12387 Cedar Road,
Cleveland Heights.
5 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. shows
More information below.
2010 Press Club of Cleveland's Journalism Hall of Fame Awards Dinner and Induction Ceremony
Wednesday, Oct. 27
6 p.m. reception; 7 p.m. dinner
 Corporate College East 6-7 p.m.
More info below.

Top Ten Biggest Challenges for Designers Going for Print to Web
Thursday, Oct. 28 at 6 p.m 
New Horizons Computer Learning Center, 1 Infinity Corp Center Dr. #250, Cleveland, OH.
More information below.

Ohio SPJ Awards Luncheon
Thursday, Oct. 30
The Ohio State football stadium.
Starts at 11:30 a.m.
More information below.

SPJ Narrative Writing Workshop
Nov. 13 in Pittsburgh
at Wyndham Pittsburgh
University Place
More info below.
OHIO SPJ AWARDS
Tailgate at The Ohio State University
Don't miss the Ohio's SPJ Awards luncheon Oct. 30, hosted by the Cincinnati, Cleveland and Central Ohio (Columbus) pro chapters at the Ohio State football stadium
to honor the recipients of this year's Ohio SPJ Awards.

Arrive at 11:30 a.m. at the Huntington Club (Club Room Three) at Ohio Stadium, 411 Woody Hayes Drive in Columbus to enjoy tailgate fare while the Buckeyes are away in Minnesota. The Buckeyes do not play until 8 p.m. so you can still watch the game!

After tailgating, there are stadium tours available which feature the football field, press box, visitors' locker room and the Ohio State University Marching Band room.

There will be a cash bar. Free parking is available on the west side of the Horseshoe next to the Huntington Club entrance.

Tickets are $50 each, $30 for students. Mail-in registration has now ended but tickets may still be purchased online here. Online ticket sales end Oct. 28 for regular meals and Oct. 30 for vegetarian meals.

Wise Up!! Chapter 2

Come to Wise Up!! Chapter 2 on Oct. 24 to enjoy a great literary gathering and also support the Cleveland Heights-University Heights Public Library.

The event will feature local celebrities, literary figures and friends of the art who will each read and bring to life a short poem or prose piece. Musical numbers with literary themes interspersed throughout the event.

The evening's cast will include Cinda Williams Chima, Derdriu Ring, Regina Brett, Margaret Bernstein, Leon Bibb, George Bilgere, Eric Broder, Tony Brown, Mark Dawidziak, Mansfield Frazier, David Giffels, Richard Gildenmeister, Michael Heaton, Susan Infeld, Meredith Holmes, Ed Kelley, Scott Lax, Sarah May, Kevin McGinty, Kristin Ohlson, Steve Presser, Brendan Ring, Les Roberts, Afi Scruggs, Joan Southgate, Laura Taxel, Stuart Warner, Phil Metres, Loren Weiss, Thomas Mulready, Tricia Springstubb, Ann Trubek, Martha Towns, Michael Roizen, Charles Michener, Don Rosenberg, Eric Schmiedl, Nick Koesters, Dan Coughlin, Eric Coble and Dorothy and Reuben Silver.

The event will be held at Nighttown, 12387 Cedar Road, Cleveland Heights.

There will two separate shows, at 5 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., and each show will feature half the cast. Each has a $25 admission fee if you are registered ahead of time. Admission will be $30 at the door.

Friends of the CH-UH Library will also host a silent auction, with all event-related dollars donated to the Friends of the Library. That auction has already started online here.

Last year's event raised more than $7,000 for the CH-UH Library.

Local bookstores Appletree Books and Mac's Backs will also benefit from the event. Both bookstores will sell books at the events and receive sale proceeds.

To make a reservation call the CH-UH Public Library at 216-932-3600 ext. 234 or visit the website.

Journalism Hall of Fame
Awards Dinner
The 2010 Press Club of Cleveland's Journalism Hall of Fame Awards Dinner and Induction Ceremony will be held Wednesday, Oct. 27 at Corporate College East, 4400 Richmond Road, Warrensville Heights, Ohio 44128. Registration and reception will be held from 6-7 p.m. Dinner and the induction program will follow at 7 p.m.
This year's inductees include Joanna Connors, Mark Dodosh, Jim Donovan, Eileen Korey, Ralph and Terry Kovel, Ann Wylie, Martin Savidge, John Teresko, Elizabeth Sullivan and Jack Graney.

This year the 2010 Chuck Heaton Award Recipient is The Plain Dealer's Margaret Bernstein.

Registration for this event, however, is now closed.
Design Challenges: From Print to Web

How do you transition from print design to web design? Where do you start? The Cleveland Digital Publishers Users Group can help you learn, at their program entitled "Top Ten Biggest Challenges for Designers Going from Print to Web."

 

Transitioning from a print background allows you to apply your design strategies to web, while understanding that you are communicating with a different medium. Different rules and technologies apply, but you still need your designer's touch.


Lisa Gruber Gebby will be speaking at the event. Gebby received her BFA from the CIA and is Principal of GruberDesign, LLC (www.GruberDesignLLC.com),  a comprehensive design firm which offers design and interactive services, management, and production from concept to completion. She has worked with a wide range of clients, from start-up, non-profit, and educational institutions.

 

The event is sponsored by the Cleveland Digital Users Group and will take place on Oct. 28 at 6 p.m at New Horizons Computer Learning Center, 1 Infinity Corp Center Dr. #250, Cleveland.

 

It is free for CDPUG members and $10 for non-members.


RSVP is not required but is appreciated. RSVP at rsvp@cdpug.org. Please include your name and number of people. For driving and parking directions click here

Find Your Story in Pittsburgh
SPJ invites Pittsburgh-area reporters and editors (this does include Northeastern Ohio) to step out of the inverted pyramid and into the art of storytelling at the upcoming Narrative Writing Workshop,
Nov. 13
at Wyndham Pittsburgh University Place.
Through SPJ's Narrative Writing Workshops, participants learn options for reinvigorating the writing craft.
Join Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and reporter Tom Hallman Jr., from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. for a day filled with tips for creating excitement in news stories. Click here for registration information.

The freestyle conversation with Hallman includes discussion on:
- Defining narrative writing
- Reporting for narrative
- Long form narrative storytelling
- How you can apply narrative techniques to your daily reporting
- Strategies for your newsroom

Have a special project in the works? Share it! Participants can send Hallman a sample of their work in advance of the workshop. Tom will critique the work and discuss it with the rest of the class. Registration for the workshop ends Nov. 1. The cost for SPJ members is $45 and includes breakfast and lunch.

To learn more about the program and Hallman, see the NWW page on our national website. If you have any questions, please e-mail Heather Porter at hporter@spj.org.
Quick Links
More About Us

Contact the Editor

Contact Chapter President

Journalist's Toolbox

SPJ Freelancer Directory


SPJ Job Bank

Join or Renew Membership
(Be sure to scroll down on the application form and sign up for the Cleveland Pro Chapter, as well as the national SPJ)
What should you borrow for college?

Steve Talbott

Steve Talbott, a chapter member and former Plain Dealer business reporter and editor who now teaches at Cleveland State University, has written an e-book aimed at helping high school and college students figure out a reasonable amount to borrow for college that they will be able to afford once they graduate.


"How Much Should I Borrow for College?" takes students and parents on a tour of the latest government data about jobs and careers. This helps students focus on where they want to go and helps them pick a major. Once students have focused on a particular job, the book shows them how to find out what that job is likely to pay once they graduate. Once they know how much they are likely to make, they can quickly figure out how much in student loans they'll be able to afford. "How Much Should I Borrow for College?" walks them through the process.


One goal of the book is to keep students and families from overspending because of the unrealistic earnings expectations that are often promoted by the higher education industry. "How Much Should I Borrow for College?" can especially help students and families considering a for-profit college. These schools often lead students to borrow grossly unrealistic sums because, in part, they encourage them to believe they will earn far more than they actually will.


"How Much Should I Borrow for College?" is an e-book with more than 200 hyperlinks, so the latest government data about jobs and careers, student and parent loans, and more is just a mouse click away. It works on your computer, iPad, Kindle, and even your smart phone.


You can buy it for $7.99 at www.howmuchshouldiborrow.com or as a Kindle at Amazon.com

Talbott was deputy business editor for many years at the PD before taking a buyout four years ago. He has been teaching since as an adjunct at CSU.

Improve your writing
John Ettore
John Ettore
Looking to better your writing? John Ettore, Cleveland SPJ member and former board member, can help you improve. Ettore recently interviewed Diane Helbig about daily habits and disciplines that can improve anyone's writing. The advice is pulled from his upcoming book. The interview can be heard here.  Ettore also writes a blog on writing called Working with Words.

Editor's note: If you have recently completed a book that's being published, let us know. We like to feature the major writing projects of SPJ members and other area writers.


Sports Writing Class
Rich Exner
Rich Exner
Interested in sports writing? Cuyahoga Community College is offering a special eight-week sports writing class at the West Campus, beginning Oct. 25.

The class will meet from 6:30-9:10 pm on Mondays and Wednesdays.

The class will focus on how to watch a game as a reporter, how to write quickly on deadline and how to make sports stories more interesting. There will be field trips to games, guest speakers and more.

Enrollment information can be found by using the "Search Courses" link at www.tri-c.edu or by contacting the instructor, SPJ Cleveland board member Rich Exner, by e-mail at richard.exner@tri-c.edu
In-county tuition for the 3-hour class is $254 ($84.56 per credit hour).
Scholarship available for student broadcast journalists

A $2,500 scholarship is available for any college freshman, sophomore, or junior planning a career in broadcast news. You must be enrolled in an Ohio college or university during the 2010-2011 school year.

 

The Mike Partin Memorial Scholarship is offer and judged by the Ohio Associated Press Broadcasters, of which Partin was a two-time president.

 

Judging is based on students' academic and/or professional achievements and potential to become an outstanding broadcast journalist.

 

Send a resume, tape and script demonstrating your best work, plus a 300-word essay on your career goals. A letter of recommendation from a professor or internship

supervisor also is required. The letter must be in a sealed envelope, with the

recommender's signature written across the seal. Material must be postmarked no later than Feb. 11. The $2,500 winner will be recognized at the OAPB's annual convention on June 5.


Send your entry to:

OAPB Scholarship

The Associated Press

1103 Schrock Road, Suite 300

Columbus, OH 43229


For more information, contact Ohio AP Broadcast Editor Doug Whiteman at

614-885-2727 or by email at dwhiteman@ap.org.


Editorial Internship Opportunities

Cleveland Magazine is looking for editorial interns for winter/spring 2011.


The internships are unpaid. There is reimbursement for parking or a bus pass. The internships range from 16 to 32 hours a week. Duties include fact-checking, researching, writing and some clerical work for Cleveland Magazine, its sister publication Inside Business, and other publications. Our interns are highly valued and are integrated into the editorial team. They are entrusted with serious responsibilities and given plenty of opportunity for professional development.


We're looking for bright student journalists or recent grads with experience at their college newspapers or magazines. The ideal candidates also have a flair for magazine-style feature writing and knowledge of Cleveland.


Candidates must live or go to college in the Cleveland area (Akron, Kent, and Oberlin included). Minority candidates are encouraged to apply.


Cleveland Magazine takes on editorial department interns three times a year: for fall and winter/spring semesters and for summer. The deadline for applying for winter/spring semesters is Nov. 15. The deadline for applying for summer 2011 is Feb. 15.


To apply, send a cover letter explaining what you could bring to the job, a resume, references, the date you would be able to start, and 4-5 published samples of your work to trickey@clevelandmagazine.com or: Erick Trickey; Senior Editor; Cleveland Magazine; 1422 Euclid Avenue Suite 730; Cleveland, Ohio 44115.


Cleveland Job Bank
Check Kelly Blazek's website for details on jobs in marketing, public and media relations, development, media, graphics/web design and more. Many of the jobs listed above are reprinted from Blazek's newsletter, for which we are grateful.
To subscribe and get the full list, e-mail the Cleveland Job Bank. For more information, go to the website or write to Kelly Blazek. Also see the website for listings of out-of-town job search websites.

Please Note: The jobs on Blazek's list are ONLY in communications related occupations.
Featured Article

EXCLUSIVE  searches: Laurie Mitchell Marketing & Communications Executive Search has been retained for the following search assignments:


Pharma Sales Trainer/Toledo or Cleveland

Financial & Trade Press Media Relations Manager/Cleveland

Corporate Social Media Manager/Cleveland

AD Agency Account Director/Pharma or Med-Ed/Cleveland

VP/Sales/Home Improvement/Cleveland

3 PR Agency Senior Account Executives/Cleveland

AD Agency Media Planner/Buyer/Cleveland

AD/PR Agency Account Manager/Beauty Products/Editorial/Cincinnati

Global Marketing Communications Manager/B2B/Charlotte

AD Agency Traffic Manager/Toledo

AD Agency Account Manager/Building Products/Toledo

7 AD Agency Management//Account Supervisors/Classical & Digital/Louisville

 

To apply for any of these current searches, please email your resume as a single MS Word file to MitchellCo17@aol.com.  

www.LaurieMitchellCompany.com .216-292-9936