Words That Make Pictures ― Creative Journalism in the Digital Age

Journalism has never been more vibrant. Set free from the limitations of paper, the multimedia journalist is a creator and packager of video, audio, graphics, and archive film, bringing to life exciting stories in a digital world. Yet the power of the written feature remains unchallenged, offering a bright career for the journalist who can capture mood and atmosphere, turn a memorable phrase and coin an evocative headline. In Words That Make Pictures, experienced journalist and editor Peter Grayling Jackson employs a unique hallmarking system of coding to identify the four basic elements of construction common to successful story-telling both online and on paper: V—Visuals; I—Information; S—Sounds; A—Action. Analyzing the work of more than 50 leading journalists, this practical guide demonstrates how the VISA elements can be most effectively deployed for the written feature to make it every bit as compelling as the multi-stranded offerings online.

Peter Grayling Jackson has worked at every level of journalism, from local newspaper reporter to world-traveled feature writer. He has been editor of national titles including Drive, TVTimes, Sunday magazine, and Sunday Times Magazine, as well as launch publisher of ELLE in the UK and Managing Director of News International-Hachette. Peter is now chairman of Grayling Publishing Services, a magazine consultancy with an international clientele. He is also a Visiting Fellow at Bournemouth University's Faculty of Media and Communication.