News Reporting & Writing by Brian S. Brooks, George Kennedy, Daryl R. Moen and Don Ranly provides an excellent introduction to the various elements of good journalism and is a perfect course on reporting and writing.

It's easy to read and covers everything from writing a catchy lead for your stories to a step-by-step process for interviews. News Reporting & Writing is not only for anyone interested in journalism, but for anyone interested in learning to write better.