‘50 Writing Tools in Three Hours’

I just sat in on Roy Peter Clark’s three-hour writing workshop at the Nieman narrative conference. I’ve heard Roy, my colleague at Poynter, talk about his “Writing Tools” book a dozen or more times, but I still learned something new today. Here are some of the tools I found most helpful:
– “Get the name of [...]

‘Ten (Not So Secret) Tips for Effective Interviewing’

I’m here at the Nieman narrative journalism conference, blogging during some of the sessions I attend. I’m sitting in on Jacqui Banaszynski’s tips on interviewing.
Here are some highlights:
– When interviewing, know your purpose.
– Interview people in their natural habitat as opposed to a coffee shop.
– Turn every subject into a storyteller.
– Believe that everyone you’re [...]

‘Creating An Investigative Narrative’

I’m here at the Nieman narrative journalism conference in Boston, sitting in on this morning’s keynote speech, “Creating An Investigative Narrative,” with Washington Post writers Anne Hull and Dana Priest. They are explaining the story behind their award winning Walter Reed series. It’s my first time blogging live from a conference, so bear with me. [...]