The Magazine Article by Peter P. Jacobi

The Magazine Article: How to Think It, Plan It, Write It by Peter Jacobi
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Just as Family Guy’s Brian Griffin sets out to make a name for himself as an author of self-help books; Jacobi attempts a similar role in the world of magazine writing. In a world where online news and social media has not yet been invented; Jacobi looks at leading American publications from Time Magazine, The New York Post; and even Playboy. I learnt a lot from the opinions of the articles quoted; even if I choose not to believe that the Encyclopaedia Britannica was established in Chicago or that the roll-top desk is the best piece of furniture ever made. But the again, this is the 90’s. It's a shame that no exercises are suggested for aspiring writers other than to read, read, and read; and the majority of this book is taken up by examples of other writers for the reader to devour. But there are some hidden tips squeezed within; such as the beauty of poetic writing and ensuring that structure and purpose are present. There’s also a hidden proof-reading exercise (though I don’t think that’s intentional).

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