Writing for Tabloids

Writing for Tabloids is an undergraduate concentration within the Pop Culture and Celebrity Studies Department. It teaches the writing of tabloid articles, Internet blogs, and creative nonfiction based on celebrity life. By asking students to examine the lives of the rich and famous with a tongue-in-cheek approach, and by encouraging students to immerse themselves in pop culture, as energetically as possible, we hope to help promising artists in their craft, as well as to educate future writers in the art of writing fantastic attention getting headlines and articles while keeping their writing attuned to the main audience which reads at a sixth grade level. Some features of this unique and rigorous undergraduate program include the intensive writing course-sequence, the research and interview tutorials, and the opportunity for students to work with a number of superb visiting tabloid writers and celebrity gossip columnists in addition to the faculty.

Creating Anonymous Sources

The recent prominence of anonymous sources is a trend that is especially important in tabloid writing. This course will focus on getting quotes from persons close to a celebrity, or even vaguely acquainted, by the promise of anonymity, or by eavesdropping when necessary.

Avoiding Libel Suits

The tabloid writer will be faced with lawsuits from time to time. This course will focus on wording articles in a manner to avoid any liability on your part or the part of the magazine. It will also focus on timing of article releases as to when the star is otherwise occupied, such as being incarcerated, or ashamed to leave the house due to weight gain.