Freelance Careers and Narrative

Freelance Writing (Courtesy of Google Images)

Narrative in the News Organizations

I wonder how many people read a newspaper and feel engaged in the narrative. With the challenges of retaining readers, news organizations have to constantly draw is into a certain reality. One this is done is by what Walt Harrington calls intimate journalism. It’s a deep examination of ordinary people. Journalists are record keepers of our culture.

Developing a complete understanding of a subject is essential in making your readers comprehend an individual’s reality. Lane DeGregory, writer for the St. Petersburg Times, enjoys writing about ordinary people. Here some of tips DeGregory gives on finding good story ideas like her piece on Introducing Susan:

• Talk to strangers- sit by someone at a coffee shop, diner, or local bar
• Eat lunch alone- Listen to nearby conversations and be observant
• Ignore Important people- We heard enough about Brad and Angelina
• Celebrate losers- Those who fail always have a good follow up story
• Look for the bruise on the apple- This is important! Open your eyes and ears and don’t assume you heard it all.

Dialogue is key. I’m amazed at how conversation can lead to streams of information never expected. Sometimes all we need to do is keep quiet and listen because ultimately the story has to speak for itself.

Building a Freelance career

Author Stewart O' Nan (Courtesy of Google Images)

I got to admit as a graduating college student I don’t know if I’m going to find a job in this field let alone make a living in it, which makes a freelance career a tedious process. You have to be persistent, focused, and a little creative. Some of the most successful freelance writers spend as much time pitching story ideas as they do receiving rejections.

The idea of independence sounds good until you have to regulate your own schedule and motivate yourself to write. In Telling True Stories, author Stewart O’ Nan, speaks a little bit about time management. He has several rules, but what stands out in my mind is always have a notebook and pen with you and never stop; keep the project in mind.

Check out freelance switch on how to be accountable.

I hate it when I see or hear something interesting and don’t have a way to document it. If you don’t like the old fashioned pen and paper text message yourself. I have found that even in writing the dreaded research paper keeping the project in my mind helps me stay focus.

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