Fun writing from a judge?

I've delayed way too long in posting writing tips. So I'll try to give you lots to browse in this one. This is my favorite, a Bob Norman blog post that praises (and posts in full) an amusing bit of judicial writing.

I preach often against long sentences, especially long leads. But a finely crafted long sentence can be a joy, as Roy Peter Clark notes.

Too often reporters "round up the usual suspects" when we're seeking expert comment and analysis for our stories. This blog by Josh Goodman recounts how often political reporters call the University of Virginia's Larry Sabato. Who are your usual suspects and what have you done lately to expand and diversify your circle of sources?

I'd like to highlight more fine narrative writing in these notes. Please send me links when you see outstanding narrative, short or long. I call your attention to this series, "Nikki: The girl with no brain," by my friend Nichole Aksamit of the Omaha World-Herald.

I was traveling during the Virginia Tech massacre and was too busy to call to your attention any of the many outstanding pieces I saw covering it. You probably saw many of the same, so I apologize for how late I am calling any of these next stories to your attention. You probably have seen some of them yourself. But if you haven't read them and haven't OD'd on the massacre, I call these examples of outstanding work to your attention:

The David Maraniss narrative in the Washington Post.

This piece by Erik Wemple details some of the resourcefulness the Washington Post used in connecting with sources.

The Roanoke Times did a fabulous job of covering this important story in its region.

And the Collegiate Times did a highly professional job. Check out its coverage.

Dale Peskin also has an excellent blog post about the media coverage of the massacre.

I'll try to stay in better touch. I've wondered if I should stop sending writing tips when they become this sporadic. But several of you have expressed appreciation, so I'll try to keep them coming.