Headlines, just like your stories, should be infused with voice and style and creativity. This is the case especially for public media. With that in mind, be cautious of the overly clever headline.

For example, "Alabama Will Now Allow Yoga In Its Public Schools (But Students Can't Say 'Namaste'). Employ interrogatives (why, how, etc.): They can signal an explanation, or something instructive.

Story Writing Example for Students Title: The Great Bake-Off Introduction: In the small town of Sunnyvale, a baking competition was announced at the annual fair.

The same is true for headlines; stark, witty or intriguing ones can draw the reader's eye to a story. Headline writing has long been considered a skill but, in the digital age, a new word has ...