Journalism professor Karen List from UMass Amherst Amherst introduces us to the field of newswriting. She takes us to The Daily Hampshire Gazette, where we meet reporter Stacey Shackford . We learn the steps needed to produce a news feature story by watching Stacey develop and write a series on youth and heroin use in the local community. From idea to printed story, Professor List guides us through the process of news feature writing and we learn about the critical role of reporters, editors and copywriters by observing them at work in the newsroom and the community. Telly Award winner

Learning about grammar can be fun! Patricia Zukowski, Assistant Director of the UMass Amherst Writing Program, and members of her writing class offer us an informative and lively look at how good grammar creates precise communication. Humorous episodes help the viewer to identify easily with these college students as they come to a new understanding of grammar rules and pitfalls. How to avoid common mistakes and tips to improve writing and grammar are featured in this helpful and entertaining video. Telly Award winner

Learn about the process of writing from renowned black American author John Edgar Wideman. The author of 11 novels, numerous short stories and essays, Wideman is the first writer to win the PEN/Faulkner Award twice. In this relaxed conversational style program, John Edgar Wideman shares his thoughts and views on writing with Lee Edwards, Dean of Humanities and Fine Art at the University of Massachusetts Amherst. Wideman talks about the neighborhood in Pittsburgh, PA, where he grew up and how this has influenced his writing. He also reads an excerpt from one of his award-winning novels.