by DanPowers on February 24, 2009
I’ve found the source of great quotes and insight into the more personal side of any subject of an article is to ask this question last: “Is there anything I didn’t ask you about that I should have?”
This will provide at least one and often two final, valuable points. First, the person will almost always say no, and yet continue to reiterate a certain point from your conversation - this will reveal the most important aspect of your discussion from their point of view. Be sure to cover this in your article in some way. Second, and this is more rare: they will bring up something important to them you didn’t touch on. If so, you’ve uncovered another source of quotes, details and sometimes even a whole new article prompt for your editor.
by DanPowers on February 22, 2009
Having a freelance career means Sunday is just as good a day for getting things done as any other; there’s something about doing a little work when most everyone else isn’t that feels good to me. Mostly I think I like the idea that I can work with the inbound flow of emails and phone calls and news being slowed to a relative trickle.
Also, the Sunday newspapers have different sections and details that are ripe sources for new projects. Two parts of the paper I always check out: local opinion and community kudos (or some such theme). They both will highlight pertinent local topics and organizations; you find contacts for present projects and best of all a heads up on cool topics that should be written about in more depth for some publication/organization.
Good writers are avid readers. The local news deserves to be on your reading list as a constant source of opportunities.
by DanPowers on February 21, 2009
