Conventional
wisdom says that writing for the local newspaper is a good way to break into
writing. Is this true?
In many ways it is. You learn to meet deadlines, to
develop a style and voice that is yours, so that readers will recognize your
style, and build up a fan base. And you meet a lot of different and interesting
people. As a reporter you can go places and meet people you otherwise wouldn’t,
such as artists and the visiting celebrities. You can call up somebody and ask
to meet with them.
But is it any
help in fiction writing?
It is. The people you meet, the situations you encounter,
all give you background and insight into people. I once told a fellow reporter
that all reporters have to be fiction writers – how else can you make a routine
planning board meeting sound interesting? She did not agree with me, but there
are fiction writing elements that carry over to journalism: the presentation,
what elements are stressed, even getting some humor into the situation. I try
hard to keep all of my reporting positive, even in a bad situation. I now
rarely cover accidents or fires – I leave those to the young ones who find it
exciting.
How long have you
been involved in newspapering?
Close to 50 years and I still work at it part time. I
began as a correspondent for the local weekly, reporting on village doings,
almost as a gossip column. The paper gradually changed, much of it required by
advances in printing and technology. In 1970, my town had less than a thousand
people and I knew, or knew of, almost all of them. Our population has since
doubled but the stories are pretty much the same. Although we do have a lot
more boards and commissions than we did back then. These days I write regular
articles and features instead of that column of items.
When did you
change to fiction writing?
I actually began writing short stories when I was in high
school. I applied to the paper after graduation but did not get a spot. There
was no need for new correspondents. I began by writing press releases and
publicity for such organizations as the Girl Scouts while I was raising my
family. I was hired when our new local correspondent was not pleasing the
editor and he asked me if I would cover our annual Town Meeting. That was an
interesting assignment. I have had the position ever since, although I changed
papers at one point, and later worked for our local daily. I am now back at the
original one.
Has journalism
affected your fiction writing?
In many ways and I frequently find my secondary characters
are writers of one kind or another. As
they say, write about what you know. It also got me into the habit of writing
first thing in the morning. I wanted to write up last night’s meeting before I
forgot what the atmosphere was. The general feeling of a place is important to
writing, both fiction and newspaper accounts.
I still write at 6 a.m., starting with the newspaper story and then
whatever project I’m working on. Lately that’s been a novel.
Would you
recommend newspapers to new writers?
It isn’t as easy now as it was then. Reporters are
generally required to be photographers and writing skills are stressed. There
is also a degree requirement, although it doesn’t have to be journalism (which
I now have). English and political science works, too. Some writers pitch a
regular column on a favorite subject such as gardening or cooking. I write one
on local history. A friend has a degree in math and writes the paper’s science
column. And there is also the problem of
the “Lois Lane Syndrome.”
What is that?
If you recall Lois Lane from the comics, her life was full
of adventure, danger, all kinds of heroics, with or without Superman. It was
exciting. Most reporting isn’t like that. It is routine, covering the same
boards every week or month, sometimes almost like following a soap opera. It is
important, rewarding – there are awards other than Pulitzers . Too many young
reporters leave the newspapers for more exciting venues and it is hard on a
small town if papers jeep changing their reporters because the new ones are
unfamiliar with the history, the culture, even the boards themselves. It is
knowing all those things, things that can creep into and color fiction writing
that make it exciting for me.
Are there other
rewards?
There are. My first book was as co-author of an “Images of
America” book, a picture book of history of three small town published by the
three Historical Societies. I am one of
only a handful of people who know all of that background of my town. It’s kind
of nice to be in that position and it helps with my writing, both fiction and
non-fiction. My newspaper editor has acknowledged that it will be impossible to
find someone else who can fill my place, who knows what I do.
What are you
writing now?
I have two published novels. “Orchard Hill” is an ebook
and “A Heart Mended,” is also in print, and a collection of short stories, “15
Tales of Love,” came out as an e-book in December. I have a fantasy series I am
completing in order to submit and have just finished a novel I first wrote in
1973, a Vietnam War story. The hero, probably anti-hero, is a conscientious
objector in a rabidly patriotic family. I am always working on something.
Bio
I
have lived in New Hampshire since I was a teenager and live in my current home
- an 1860s-era farmhouse - with my son and four cats, and try to keep up with
extensive flower gardens while writing novels, poems and short stories. I work
part time for a local newspaper and occasionally have articles in other
publications. My work has appeared in several local anthologies.
I can
no longer climb steep hills or hike over rough terrain, but that doesn't keep
me from writing about them.
Excerpt
– Gold Sandals – One of the stories in 15 Tales of Love.
He was at the end of the table apparently listening to the Chief
Ranger, but he glanced up as she neared the buffet. The look of surprise when
he met her eyes, the slow smile that curved the corners of his mouth, told her
what she needed to know. She picked up a glass of wine and went to meet him.
Jessie's wide-ranging and deep knowledge of several small towns has always impressed me. She can convey the gist of meetings far better than any other reporter I know of--even if the participants gripe that she missed one or two of their words of wisdom. And she's a darn good fiction writer, as well. And I still don't want your job, dear friend.
ReplyDeleteThank you for commenting Nikki. Her wealth of knowledge is certainly reflected in this post! I'm looking forward to reading 15 Tales of Love!
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