Poynter High - Reporting, Writing & Editing

Write in your notebook, on a scrap of paper, write on a napkin if that's all you have. If you've just finished an interview and you have a great idea for a lead, write it down. It won't be there when you're staring at a blank Word document two hours later.
 

So advise the trainers on the No Train, No Gain website.

If you're interviewing several people for a story, write a paragraph or two after each conversation. It will help you see what information you're missing. If you have a minute while your interviewee answers the phone, write whatever comes to mind. Pretend you're on deadline. Every second counts.

 

You're most passionate about a story when the interview is fresh. You're likely to recall details that you otherwise might forget. Writing as you report captures your initial impressions and gives you a springboard for later.

 

Even if you don't use what you write, it still serves a purpose. It helps collect your thoughts, outline your ideas and jumpstart your creativity.

 

Then, when you rewrite later, it'll be even better.

See Chip Scanlan's "In the Beginning: Rethinking the draft,"and take "The Interview," a free course from NewsU, for more reporting techniques.

Material adapted from "Writing as You Report" on the No Train, No Gain website.