Possessing a passion for the written word, I've in the past typically concentrated on documenting personal experiences as they occurred throughout my life. I found my sentences flowed easily in light of my emotional attachment as I 'felt' my way through the unfolding tales. My intention, besides relishing in writing, was to carve significant memories into stone; to revisit as I sit in my rocking chair during the winter of my life. My succeeding generations may even feel inclined to read my scribes one day.
However, over the last nine months through wonderful opportunities, I've tried my hand at reporting community stories around people, places, events, even animals. While this form of writing is foreign and sometimes challenging, it's simultaneously rewarding if my articles are well received.
The people I have connected with over time have been approachable, interesting and a pleasure to meet. I've even made new friends! Truth be known, occasionally my given topics didn't initially excite me and with no former knowledge I needed to thoroughly research my tasks before attempting to write informative articles. Once I investigated themes I engaged with the contacts I was asked to interview, either by phone or in person, to gather customised details and quotes. Together with my groundwork I blended the information to form the features. As I wrote I again imagined myself in the subject's shoes, striving to bring the sentences to life through assuming emotions.
Writing the stories seems to be the easy part of reporting! Trying to engage with contacts can be tricky. Co-ordinating days and times to catch up for interviews is often difficult as everyone's lives are busy - including mine. Once the stories are written, emailed, read and ticked off by the organisations or individuals I report of, I submit the articles to the editor. However, waiting on story confirmations can sometimes seem like forever, especially if I am to meet a deadline.
Often over numerous days, there's a back and forth of editing communication before a final draft is completed. This again is due to coordination and prioritisation of time involving all parties. For this reason I conscientiously begin the process of constructing my articles and interacting with the public as early as possible.
I recall I was once asked to write a 1000 word article on an animal refuge, given three weeks to complete. Over that time four meetings were locked in and subsequently cancelled, for one reason or another, by the interviewee. I couldn't hold off any longer knowing how much I fumbled around editing my completed pieces until I was happy with the end result.
I researched the shelter's website and blindly formulated a believable article around the information I interpreted. The story read as if I knew exactly what I was talking about which I found amusing not having ever visited the establishment!
Being an avid animal lover, I coloured the content assuming how life within an animal shelter would appear. I then emailed my words to the refuge manager in the hope our pending and rather urgent conversation would be about filling in the blanks - and that's exactly what eventuated! A date and time was organised four days prior to the story's submission date, I was asked to add a few significant facts and my story was complete. Both the shelter staff and the editor loved the article. I couldn't believe what I had achieved! Nevertheless, while it was an interesting and exciting process, it's not something I'd like to make a habit of.
I've also come across a touch of language barrier. Occasionally people speak with a strong motherland accent or minimal English. Comprehending their words and phrases to really grasp what they're trying to voice can be tough, especially over the phone. Asking them to repeat themselves numerous times is awkward. However, communication comes in many forms and although it may take a little longer, a story is always successfully written.
I religiously make a point of emailing my completed articles to the people or businesses I've reported on. Without their final approval I wouldn't feel comfortable submitting my work; to cover both our butts! Maybe that's the norm in journalism. I wouldn't know, but I call it courtesy and common sense.
I've personally learned so much since formulating articles around community interests. Not only am I writing in a different format, but many topics I've never dreamt of entertaining I'm now knowledgeable of. My vocabulary is expanding and sometimes, as I'm about to document an intended word within a storyline, I suddenly find myself writing a completely different, more fitting one from left field. I have no idea how or why this happens, but I love it when it does!
I still enjoy writing stories of a personal nature. With only myself involved I can pick and choose the most appropriate times to indulge in my passion. There's no pressure, interviews or research to tackle and I don't second guess myself as I know my words are true - because it's my truth.
I love losing myself among words to formulate non-fiction stories. In fact, if it were possible I'd scribe all day, however that wouldn't buy the baby a new bonnet! Besides, sitting down for so long my ageing back would complain while my backside would inevitably spread to new dimensions.
My intention is to evolve my writing skills through perseverance, learning and growing as a person along the way. Often I am approached by folk who compliment my articles, which for a short while places a spring in my step. At times others possessing writing credentials, occasionally advise me to thoroughly proof read my pieces before I submit them. That sets off alarm bells, but I appreciate the constructive criticism as it motivates me to become more diligent.
Most importantly, writing is my joy and presently keeps me sane and focused during this unprecedented and frustrating pandemic situation. Seeing my stories in print is just the delicious, sweet icing on the cake .
My little, furry writing companion. ❤️
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