Writing Writing LeadsLeads

Writing Writing LeadsLeads

By: Renee BurressBy: Renee BurressBy: Renee BurressBy: Renee Burress

What is a lead?

A lead is the beginningof your story.

A good lead catches the

reader’s attention, making

them want to read on. It also

makes the writer want to write

more.

Different Types of

Leads• Question Lead• Set-up Lead• Talking Lead• Snapshot Lead

Question LeadDraw your reader

in with a question.

Set up the action for the entire story in a few

sentences.

Set-Up Lead

Talking

LeadStart with a line or two of dialogue.

Create a picture of the setting or a characterin the reader’s mind.

Snapshot Lead

How can you use some of these ideas in your

biography?

Question: Have you ever had a best friend? Set-up: I could have never made it through the

year without my best friend. Talking: “Why are you crying?” Sam asked. “I’ve lost my papers and don’t know what to do!” Snapshot: I sat staring out the window when my

telephone rang. I was watching the raindrops slide down my window. Suddenly the phone rang and I saw it was my best friend.