During editing, writers should remove vague wording, weak verbs and unnecessary filler. Replace passive voice with active verbs that create movement and energy.
Consider these two examples:
“The class was taught by Mr. Bennett.”
Now compare it to:
“Mr. Bennett paced between welding stations while students adjusted their helmets and revised their measurements.”
The second sentence creates action and imagery. Strong verbs help readers visualize scenes more clearly.
Writers should also eliminate vague words such as “a lot,” “many” and “some” whenever possible. Precise language strengthens storytelling. Instead of writing that students were “excited,” describe what they were actually doing. Were they shouting, clapping, pacing or laughing?
You can make this a fun activity by creating a “word graveyard,” listing the words to avoid and posting it prominently in your classroom.
Editing requires patience. Strong writers rewrite repeatedly, read stories aloud and trust editors to improve the final product. Good storytelling is rarely accidental.
Back to Where It Started
Student writers often end stories with weak summary statements like, “Overall, the season was successful,” or “Students learned valuable lessons.” Besides sounding like the conclusion paragraph of a subpar essay, those endings usually drain the energy out of the story. Strong feature stories should end the same way they begin: with people.
Why It Matters
Yearbooks preserve more than events. They preserve our shared experiences, personalities and emotions.
Years from now, students may not remember the final score of a game or the exact date of an event. They will remember the nervous moments before performances, the laughter during late-night rehearsals and the small details that defined their school experience.
Strong feature writing captures those moments through storytelling.
By using the SCENE framework, writers can move beyond basic coverage and create stories readers actually want to read. Start with a character. Capture the moment. Expand to the larger story. Note meaningful quotes. Edit with strong verbs.
The best yearbook stories do not simply tell readers what happened. They help readers feel like they were there.
If you love yearbook, then you’ll love the full issue of Idea File magazine, available at walsworthyearbooks.com/ideafile. And if you’re interested in finding out more ways Walsworth can help you create a smoother, easier yearbook experience, reach out to your local Walsworth rep.
