Synopsis by JUAN FLORES

Marjie Lundstrom is no stranger to writing, having won the 1991 Pulitzer Prize in national reporting. The column she writes for the Sacramento Bee allows her to express her opinions on just about everything dealing with California. She shared a few topics from past columns and how she was propelled take a fresh look at writing after a mistake.

In one of her columns she incorrectly referred to an influential person (who was actually one of her sources) as someone who was thought to be stealing yard signs. She didn’t notice her error until it was too late, after the piece ran. Her crime: over-reporting.

Lundstrom said the piece suffered from too much information. She had interviewed 30 people for the column when only five were needed. Although over-reporting is better than under-reporting she knew the root of the problem was in the writing process.

"We tend not to be retrospective," Lundstrom said. "We just keep moving forward."

So she developed a process –- which she now repeats as her mantra.

She said most of the problems in writing occur at the front-end, beginning with the idea itself.

"How good is your idea?" She asked. "Is it (your idea) sound to begin with?"

On this note, she said it is vital to keep communications –-- as well as collaborations –-- open with editors. You must make sure that editors understand your vision for a story, and you understand their requirements --– and that you keep them apprised of any new developments or shifts. "You must keep them in the loop," she said.

Reporting, she said, is the foundation of a story. You’ve heard it before: "It’s the details."

She compared writing to a pearl necklace: "Reporting is the thread, and the details and quotes are the pearls." Without the thread (reporting), the pearls (details) have nothing to hang on.

Aside from emphasizing active writing in stories, Lundstrom advised calling a friend or colleague to talk about your story and ask them what it is about.

She also suggested writing the ‘fall-line,’ in reference to skiing. Just write down what you think the lead is, followed by a nut graph, background, more background and a kicker. Afterwards go back with your notes and fill in the spaces.

"The story is in your head, not your notes," Lundstrom said.

Toward the end of the session, Lundstrom was visibly hurried. She had about half an hour before her flight was to leave but still managed to share with us that learning continues after publication –- from reader and colleague feedback.

Lastly, she said, get as many different viewpoints as you can in your writing.

"Take advantage of your visual people at your paper," Lundstrom said. "Be up front with editors in telling them what you need and how you work best."