Hey everyone!
So I am in the middle of some hardcore last-minute packing for Ireland, and while I was throwing things in my bag I stumbled across the latest edition of The Chronicle. In the issue I have one rather large piece about a local softball team winning a state championship, and if I had to pick something I am most proud of this summer so far, that would be it.
I live in a small town, and Fort Ann is even smaller, so for the girls to win a state title is rather awesome all on its own, but the same day a baseball team from the same school won a state title as well.
For that reason I was super intimidated at the idea of writing an article that was so important to the community. It was challenging, and I had to conduct a phone interview in the office with zero privacy. But I was able to get some really great quotes from the coach, and he encouraged me to keep in touch in the future if I needed anything, so I think I made a good impression, which is always a plus.
When it came time to actually write it, I was unsure where to start, because even though The Chronicle encourages each writer to showcase his or her individual style, they are formulaic in a lot of ways. So I went searching through the archives for a copy of a previous edition for an example or a similar piece, per the orders from my boss, and I got to work.
The editor and owner of the paper was very pleased with the final piece, and admittedly so was I. It came out well from the get-go and had really minor edits. But when the paper came out last Thursday, I was pissed, not gonna lie.
Another writer on staff tackled the boy's team while I wrote about the girl's, and while I had been restricted to a specific formula while writing, he was not. His lede was witty where mine was super blah, unimpressive. The article was more personal and less who-what-when-where-why-how in comparison to mine.
It probably bothered me more than it should, given that I'm an intern and I'm still really new to journalism overall, but still. I am a good writer, and I wish I had gotten the chance to show them.
That said, I'm still really proud of the article, and I am still enjoying my experience overall. I just want the freedom to do my own thing, and while I recognize that I was given a huge opportunity in writing the article at all, I just think there was so much more I could've done with it.
I think we can all understand your frustration. That is shitty, and despite your being an intern, I don't see how that should allow them to limit you more than any other writer there. It seems sort of counter productive. I guess you just have to decide whether its worth bringing up or not.
ReplyDeleteI feel your frustration, too, Jillian, but I'm glad that you are pleased with your work as it stands.
ReplyDeleteThe other writer probably knows the system better than you and knew that he had that flexibility. Also, it could be that your editor wanted different voices for the articles on the boys and girls teams. Could also be that your editor is still getting a handle on your skills and abilities, and asked to you write it more formulaically. Could be ... could be ... could be all kinds of things.
Chock it up. Next time you'll know that you have the option to be more fluid and experimental.
Wow, that is indeed frustrating. I understand your urge to breakout and show the Chronicle what you're fully capable of as a writer. It's that need for approval and affirmation that drives all writers to get out there and write to the best of their abilities. You're not alone, because I have that urge as well. We all do.
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