PERSONALITY PROFILE

This story is due Wednesday, Nov. 21, at 9 a.m.

The length: 1,000 to 1,200 words.

What does an editor look for in apersonality profile?As you select a person and begin your interviews, here are several points to keep firmly in mind:

* The person does not have to be well known but should be INTERESTING.

-- Be sure to explain what makes the person unusual.

* The profile should NOT be one-dimensional.This is very important.

-- Dig deeply.

-- Talk with others, such as family, friends, co-workers, critics. Round out the portrait.

-- A story based only on a sit-down interview with the subject is not

acceptable.

* Look for turning points in the person's life, the paths taken and not taken.

-- Drill on those. For example, if the person quit drinking,

find out why and how. Explore the effect on his/her life.

* Try to spend a day with the person (a kind of "live-in" approach).

-- Tag along as your profile subject goes through a day or does something meaningful.

-- Think of this as a little journey that you�ll share with readers.

* Watch for telling detail.

-- How is home or office decorated? Pictures, awards, souvenirs?

-- Manner of dress? Of greeting people? Of eating? Of reacting to touchy questions?

-- Truly observe. Don�t just look.

* Be an investigative listener.

-- Use the techniques we've discussed.

-- Review the tip sheets I've passed out.

* Finally, tell a story.Make the person live on the page.

-- It�s a chance to play with your writing style.

-- But don�t get florid.Sometimes, less is more.Use muscular nouns and verbs.

-- Show the person doing things. Let actions and quotes help carry your story.

You will be given sample profiles once the semester is well underway.