Write in your notebook, on a scrap of paper, write on a napkin if
that’s all you have. If you’ve just finished an interview and you have
a great idea for a lead, write it down. It won’t be there when you’re
staring at a blank Word document two hours later.
that’s all you have. If you’ve just finished an interview and you have
a great idea for a lead, write it down. It won’t be there when you’re
staring at a blank Word document two hours later.
So advise the trainers on the No Train, No Gain website.
If you’re
interviewing several people for a story, write a paragraph or two after
each conversation. It will help you see what information you’re
missing. If you have a minute while your interviewee answers the phone,
write whatever comes to mind. Pretend you’re on deadline. Every second
counts.
You’re most passionate about a story when the interview is fresh.
You’re likely to recall details that you otherwise might forget.
Writing as you report captures your initial impressions and gives you a
springboard for later.
You’re likely to recall details that you otherwise might forget.
Writing as you report captures your initial impressions and gives you a
springboard for later.
Even if you don’t use what you write, it still serves a purpose.
It helps collect your thoughts, outline your ideas and jumpstart your
creativity.
It helps collect your thoughts, outline your ideas and jumpstart your
creativity.
Then, when you rewrite later, it’ll be even better.
See Chip Scanlan’s “In the Beginning: Rethinking the draft,”and take “The Interview,” a free course from NewsU, for more reporting techniques.
Material adapted from “Writing as You Report” on the No Train, No Gain website.
