Competition vs. Ugliness

It astounds me to see the pettiness observable in small media markets. I've heard stories from others in the past, and in the last few years, I've observed this phenomenon within neighboring markets and heard from close friends.

I know the race for advertising is tight, but it's hard to fathom why people in editorial in particular think it would profit them to be ugly to fellow journalists.

For one thing, when you're ugly to other people -- petty, snide, pick your adjective -- it shows. People notice it -- and anyone fair-minded observing it knows it makes you look small. It's particularly observable when it's done in front of others -- or even more fascinating, in print or online.

Those who have worked at a major publication -- or even a mid-sized one -- were trained better not to let personal feelings get in the way of professionalism. They can be identified by their refusal to get ugly; instead, they keep a civil tone, and they make every effort to at least appear courteous.

I've decided to document every instance of this I observe for a tell-all novel. The names will be changed to protect the innocent, of course!

Shyness and journalism

Anyone who sees me in action taking pictures at an event or interviewing people would probably tell you there's no way I'm a shy person. I can be as charming or even gregarious as I need to be.

However, without a camera or a reason to be there and talk to people, I am as reluctant as a wallflower. Except, of course, when overwhelmed by curiosity, which seems to be a genetic thing with me. Even as a kid I would interview people -- without realizing that was what I was doing.

While journalism is no antidote to shyness, and the crippling variety (of shyness, not journalism) requires more than a pen and paper in hand to cure, I wouldn't recommend ruling out journalism just because you're shy.

If you're functionally brave -- okay when you have a task to do -- there's no reason to let self-consciousness keep you from becoming a writer. As long, of course, as you have your other talent ducks in a row -- curiosity, expression, the capacity for accuracy, and the other things needed to be proficient.

The other thing is, if you're uncomfortable asking difficult questions, you can always do the kind of writing that doesn't demand them. There are plenty of opportunities out there for stories that don't involve digging for dirt, looking under rugs or any other of those "unpleasant" and investigative metaphors.

While some of us are news buzzards, able to sniff or spot a story from a distance, others are simply builders. Like robins or songbirds, basically there to do uplifting things like sing songs and build nests. There's feature writing for newspapers and profile writing for trade publications, for example. Takes all kinds.

Here's a link to an interesting blog by Cary Tennis of Salon about someone who's grappling with shyness in journalism.

http://www.salon.com/mwt/col/tenn/2006/12/07/journalism/

Einstein for writers: The research is the horse, the story is the cart

We know the horse must come before the cart. But when it comes to journalism, what is the cart and what is the horse?

Does the lead get typed in first, and then all that follows supports that lead? I say not for me, it doesn't. I've talked about this in my Story Process blog.

Even when I'm on assignment to cover a new Whole Foods store in Pasadena, which you might think is pretty cut and dried, my lead isn't set in stone. Only after I've done the research, in this instance, do I discover that it's two stories, the largest of its kind and that people will ride an escalator up with their cart on a cartilator beside them. The lead becomes not that it's new, but the way it's unique. I've managed to stay within my editor's parameters for the assignment, which was to cover the opening of the new Whole Foods store in Pasadena. But, like Sinatra, I did it ... My Way.

You never know what will bubble up. Look at a detective at a crime scene. If he goes in with a pre-set lead, and endeavors to stick to it, to prove what he has been told or supposes to be true, he will ignore every clue that tells him about anything bigger or different. Certitude squashes curiosity.

Albert Einstein said this: "A man should look for what is, and not for what he thinks should be."

I say as writers, we need to do the same thing.

Einstein is also credited with these gems that apply well to the art and science of writing:

"Here areI have no special talent. I am only passionately curious. "

"If we knew what it was we were doing, it would not be called research, would it?"

"Never lose a holy curiosity."

"The important thing is not to stop questioning."

Giddyup!

(For more Einstein quotes, check out BrainyQuote here: http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/authors/a/albert_einstein.html)

I appreciate fellow writer Mike Strong's input on a recent blog of mine where I talked about my writing process. (See the post and his note here: http://writingporch.blogspot.com/2008/03/whats-your-writing-process.html)

"I was shocked to see your writing style, not appalled, just shocked because it had never occurred to me to do it that way! I'm like your friend: lead first. However, I'm not committed to that lead. If I begin writing and I realize that the lead doesn't support my assertions in a story or what I'm writing clearly shows me that I've got the lead wrong, it's time to redo. My lead is much like your byline: it's a flag to plant...but your friend needs to listen her story and not be committed to her lead...at least that's how I handle it. You're method is appealing in cases where I have sooooo many notes and I can't see the forest for the trees. Came across your blog on MediaBistro...interesting stuff!"

What's your writing process?

Recently, a fellow writer experienced a minor case of writer's block asked some other writers about their non-fiction writing process.

This is something I have honed to a fine art (for me!) and I'm happy to share mine with other writers.

I have a friend who frequently struggles with writer's block. She was taught that her story starts with a strong lead -- and all writing flows from that. I couldn't disagree more!

I never do the lead first. I don't know what it will be until I've gotten the research analyzed, which happens as I go through my notes.

First, I type in my byline! No idea why, habit, but it reassures me each time. Perhaps I feel like I'm planting my flag -- staking out the territory -- declaring my intention to do a story that lives up to my own standards.

Or maybe it's just a habit.

Then, I take all my research and I get it "in shape." I type it in, weeding out stuff that's not germane; as I type it in (or retype), I make sure each chunk is print-ready. In paragraphs, no typos, quotes attributed. In fact, if I'm doing whole interviews (if the article has more than one interviewed, especially) I do it like this:

"First, I take all my research and I get it in shape," Schmoe said.
"I type it in, weeding out stuff that's not germane; as I type it in (or retype), I make sure each chunk is print-ready. In paragraphs, no typos, quotes attributed," Schmoe said.
"In fact, if I'm doing whole interviews (if the article has more than one interviewed, especially) I do it like this," Schmoe said.

Once I have the notes typed in, I save a new copy. This way, I don't accidentally eliminate something from a previous incarnation of the story. I put all the copies in the same folder, and label them in order, usually with an abbreviation of the client publication name, the main subject name, and the number of the copy, like this: TIME Schmoe 3.

Sometimes to differentiate speakers in one document, I will highlight the copy from different sources at this stage. Later, the extra names and highlighting comes off.

After this, I cut and paste the research -- facts and quotes etc. and group related research together in clumps. The shortcuts for this in Word are Control+X for cut, Control+C for copy, Control+V for paste. Again, I save a copy and work from that.

Then, I order the clumps -- first, next, last, etc. -- via cut and paste.

By this time, I have a stronger idea of the precise lead, and I develop that.

Then I go through all of it, smooth the transitions, look for stuff that needs weeded out, holes.
If I have questions that need answered, I write them at the top, above my byline, a reminder to do them.

Throughout the process, I frequently read things aloud. This helps catch things that LOOK okay but aren't.

I double-check my own facts and names, making sure I have titles and companies correct. If numbers are iffy, I make sure they're accurate.

This is how I get to a polished story that's ready to print. Or to be edited.

I'd love feedback about YOUR writing process.

To see how other writers write, check out this forum on Mediabistro.com:

http://mediabistro.com/bbs/cache/t38115_1.asp

Where The Writing/Editing Jobs Are: Thinking Outside the Lines

For fledgling and experienced writers alike, getting a job in a tight market can be challenging, to understate it.

Layoffs at newpapers, magazines and websites dump more candidates into the job market. Some of these are absorbed as writers and editors resolve to control their own destiny and be their own masters (freelance) or finally get into a line of work that pays (PR). Retiring wordsmiths are replaced by whole new classfuls of bright-eyed graduates looking for that foot in the editorial door--willing to work harder, unencumbered by family, able to survive on a smaller paycheck, while experienced candidates may offer a more settled lifestyle, extensive background and family to support as a reason to stick around.

Whether you're starting or seasoned, here's a reminder that getting into the queues for available jobs can mean creativity in the job search process. Here are some suggestions for improving the odds:

• Job search is like sales -- it's a numbers game. The more applications you make, the better your odds of getting an interview.
• Be prepared -- a good resume, a knock-out cover letter http://www.savvymiss.com/career-woman/career-advice/9-to-5-grind-archive/article/how-to-write-a-great-cover-letter-292/news-browse/5/sspn//c7613c060b.html, prepared references, interview clothes, a prepared approach for your interview.
• Be your own best PR person. Without boring others or droning on and on about yourself, find ways to demonstrate and talk about the things you shine at, from your cover letter to conversations at family reunions.
• Brush up on job search skills -- here's a book that I've recommended often. (It includes ways to answer the 100 toughest interview questions) http://www.amazon.com/Knock-Dead-2008-Ultimate-Search/dp/1598691651/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1202272121&sr=1-1
• Look the usual places -- In addition to employer job boards, company sites (check the HR department for posted jobs) popular journalism jobs sites include journalismjobs http://journalismjobs.com/, mediabistro http://mediabistro.com/joblistings/ , editor & publisher http://edpub.careercast.com/js.php?qInd=vnuuscategoryjournalism.
• Thinking outside the lines can mean looking further afield. True, New York City has huge concentrations of jobs in publishing. There are also a lot of candidates subsisting as baristas at Starbucks while they hope for even editorial crumbs. Check out state press assocation links (you can start here http://www.texaspress.com/StatePressLinks.html) to find jobs outside your region.
• Network like crazy: Ask around. Join writers groups, online forums like mediabistro.com's http://mediabistro.com/bbs/ and associations. Mingle! Get to know other writers. Get informational interviews at places you'd like to work. And be helpful -- bring something to put on the table; networking is a two-way street. http://www.rileyguide.com/network.html
• Don't be too proud to do what you need to do to survive while you look. Use some other marketable skill. http://www.monster.com/ Waiting tables and all other kinds of stop-gap work have their own dignity as you support yourself.
• In the meantime, demonstrate your ability to master technology, as well as an area of expertise, by blogging about an interest at http://www.blogger.com/. See my list of articles on searchwarp.com here. http://searchwarp.com/Author129511.htm Don't forget a succinct, upbeat bio about your skills and background.
• Add experience to your portfolio with volunteer work within your field.
• And get your freelance going by looking for publications needing articles in your area of expertise, or in need of your ability to write about anything. Study up on freelancing here. http://www.absolutewrite.com/

Good luck!

J. Louise Larson http://writingporch.blogspot.com/

Coming into print later in the game?

How old is too old to get into writing? I know a writer who published her first books in her late 70s. Conversely, I know a woman who told me wistfully that, at 42, she was too old to pursue her first love of writing. I assured her she most certainly was not -- but I remember feeling that way at 27.

The key is to just do it. Get started, in a small way if need be. The way to eat an elephant? A bite at a time.

Check out this WritersWeekly.com article by a woman grappling with the idea of getting into writing. http://www.writersweekly.com/this_weeks_article/004016_04252007.html or this piece by Wendy C. Allen on Helium.com. http://www.helium.com/tm/784960/never-young-become-writersenior.
Also on Helium.com, Johan Dahlberg gives several reasons you're never too old to write: http://www.helium.com/tm/634477/writing-something-people-assuming.

While school courses in English and writing and literature are helpful, don't allow those voices from past teachers or others who may not have known how to be helpful to affect how you feel about writing or what you're ready to learn about it. Most teachers know how to encourage talent, but someone may have deterred you or scared you or bullied you as a writer. Maybe you got a C- in Grade 10 English. Let that go. You may need new voices, a new star to steer by.

I have a friend who, like many authors before her, took rejection of her novel manuscript very personally, so it sat on her shelf. I haven't read it, so I don't know if it's literary treasure or trash, but I encouraged her to get writing for a local publication on a regular basis. She did that, and her writing has grown by leaps and bounds; she's even working on her book again.

For me, the impetus to get past the inertia of past failures came in the form of an aptitude test I took as an adult that pretty much told me writing was all I was fit for! It confirmed a few things I had hoped but hadn't dared dream -- and gave me the chutzpah not to look back for two decades of sheer, willful, stubborn progress.

The message to new writers? You can do this. The message to seasoned writers? You can encourage someone else.

For a list of elements of news writing, check out this Google search: http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=writing+news