Freshers Guide 2012/13 ‘How-to’ write for
The ins and outs of how to write for the Glasgow University Magazine. www.glasgowuniversitymagazine.co.uk gum@src.gla.ac.uk
Features GUM is a fantastic forum to publish and generate ideas, raise discussion, and communicate important issues. The Features section accommodates the broadest range of subjects and topics: these can include opinion pieces, both humorous and serious, informative articles, as well as those that straddle the line between opinion and information. Subject matter can range from feminism, to food, to pornography, to travel (basically, anything goes). Though they may be autonomous in their content, the common thread that ties the articles together is passionate and interesting writing. GUM is a magazine which prides itself on the intelligence and ability of its contributors to produce high quality,thought-provoking pieces which demand attention and engross the reader. Often, if it interests you, it might interest readers; the best pieces are always ones which are close to the writer’s heart.
Here are a few little guidelines to keep in mind when writing: with articles that require some research, it goes without saying that there has to be a high level of fact checking. In addition, brevity when making a point is always encouraged (although not at the expense of leaving something underdeveloped) - if rambling isn’t necessary, then avoid it. For features which are concerned with arguing a point, don’t be afraid to have a strong opinion to support the arguments that you’re making. Finally, it’s always nice to have articles that are somehow connected to Glasgow, this being the Glasgow University Magazine and all. However this is not mandatory, so don’t be put off submitting something that doesn’t have a link to Glasgow. Don’t be shy, send us an email proposing your idea and get writing! Editor: Ryan McNab r.mcnab13@hotmail.co.uk
Politics It’s a hugely significant time to be observing politics. While the coalition government struggles away at Westminster, the independence debate is dominating the agenda here in Scotland. Various crises – political, economic, and humanitarian – are unfolding around the world. In this year’s Politics section, we hope to balance a wide range of topics; from domestic issues to foreign affairs, from party politics to the substantive policy changes that affect us all. In my view, the best political journalism is that which questions and challenges.
We want this year’s Politics section to be the best yet so we need contributors with fresh ideas. We need thought-provoking, innovative pieces that will compel readers to stay with GUM beyond the first issue. Your articles should be well structured and concise, with clear introductions and conclusions. The subjects of your articles should be researched thoroughly and you should be careful to use only information and quotes that you know to be correct. Feel free to use your initiative to seek interviews and investigate. So if you are passionate about journalism and feel you have something interesting to contribute, do get involved with GUM. Editor: Daniel Patterson danieljpatterson@btinternet.
Arts Glasgow is an exceptionally creative city with an impressive artistic heritage. Whether you are interested in visual art, theatre, film or literature there is plenty to be inspired by. The best way to begin writing about art is to get out there and see as much as you can. Try to stay genuine to your own instinctive opinion about worksit is easy to be influenced by critics or popular opinion, but here at GUM we are looking for writers with a fresh perspective and a strong mind.
That being said, it is also very easy (and lazy) to be overly negative in your criticism when writing about Art. Don’t be afraid to be honest, but ultimately you should be writing about something which you are enthusiastic about. The best articles are motivated by a desire to share your experience/opinion about the subject. If you are writing about something which bored you, then your reader will most definitely also be bored. At a time when the Arts are majorly challenged by severe funding cuts, art journalism is more important than ever. Help us share the fantastic talents and creative spirit of the Glasgow community and get writing!
Editor: Alice Healy-Smith alice.gumarts@gmail.com
Music Whether you’re into reggae or rock, we want to hear from you! Asides from buckfast, the music scene is one of Glasgow’s best assets and it’s constantly growing. We like to keep our finger on the pulse be it from open mike nights in dingy bars to full on festivals, if you suddenly think you’ve heard the next best thing GUM is the place to go. Music journalism is well known for it’s perks, guestlist entries and ‘Almost Famous’ esque interviews, but above all it’s about communicating our collective passion for music. Alternatively if you’re a photographer and have a cheeky knack for catching people’s best and worst moments at a club then drop us an email. Editor: Lucy Molloy musiceditorgum@gmail.com
How to: Interviews • What should I say when emailing musicians/record labels? I don’t want to sound like their bank manager but I don’t want to offend them… Unless you know the artist personally keep it formal and professional. • How many questions should I ask? 5- 10 • What sort of questions should I ask? This is really up to you! From in-depth research to open ended and simple conversation starters. Eg: “what music are you listening to at the moment?” • Should I include extra information? It’s good to get links to their website, twitter and dates for up and coming gigs and releases.
Science Scientific writing is the ultimate non-fiction; and just like other writing it excels when it thrills. Yet how do you communicate the newest discoveries and most abstract concepts in a manner that can be understood by everyone? Your job as a science writer for GUM is to make the inaccessible accessible, to make the latest discoveries in nanotechnology as understandable and intriguing to the Art student as to the Engineer. It is a hugely exciting time for science, from continuing developments in stem cell research and neurobiology to the most advanced Mission to Mars yet undertaken, the amount of choice as a writer is breathtaking.
Fashion
When beginning an article the opening line is key: it should be simple and sum up the story in one sentence. It often leaves the how and why unanswered but the what, when and where revealed.
Want to write about shoes, shoes, and...well, more shoes? You’re in the right place. It’s no secret that Glasgow boasts a bold, vibrant and ever-evolving fashion scene that we at GUM can’t wait to sink our teeth into.
Avoid lecturing and be concise with well-structured, punchy paragraphs. Try to explain scientific terms as clearly possible while not getting lost in unnecessary depth. Your article should be well researched and objective even if you are taking a personal spin on a story.
Our top tips on becoming a fierce and fabulous fashion journalist? For starters you need to keep your eye on the ball, fashion moves fast and we don’t want to miss a trick so keep an eye out for up-and-coming events to preview or review, keep your ear to the ground for any news and think outside the box.
Good luck! Editor: Alexandra Embiricos gum@src.gla.ac.uk
Be confident. Don’t be afraid to approach local designers for an interview or contact an event organiser to get the low-down on their latest fashion bonanza. You’ll get all the information you want, and who knows maybe make a friend or two along the way. Get creative. Ever wanted to go to that sewing class or learn how to knit? Do it. Write about it. And remember: you’re not writing an essay so relax, drop some of that formal lingo and most importantly enjoy!
Editor: Rose Henderson rosehenderson90@gmail.com