Writer’s block—it hits at the worst of times. Like right before I sat down to write this.
A phrase used by one of my coworkers snapped me out of it: “But content is everywhere.”
It can be as simple as taking your camera out while walking around the neighborhood and discovering a new local hangout. Asking a couple questions, taking down some notes, and getting the beginnings of a story.
It’s sitting with a friend and having coffee, and seeing who walks by.
Spend 15 minutes, and you’ve got a wealth of information: what are the latest fashion trends, what are people reading or chatting about as they go about their day?
For my old editor-in-chief of the college paper, it was noticing a phrase.
On our campus, there was a woman who everyone knew as “The Excellent Lady.” To the outside eye, she was just another CVS employee. Every time you checked out, she’d tell you, “Have a excellent.”
My editor shrugged and said, “Hey, let’s write a story about it.” Because, in his mind, there had to be a reason there was no “day.”
So I took the story no one wanted and snagged an interview, where, bundled up in layers, we sat outside on a picnic table talking for more than two hours.
And guess what? There was a reason.
“It’s intended to be whatever you want it to be; that’s where the ‘day’ went,” she told me.
“It can be an excellent life, an excellent day … that’s what it boils down to.”
Of course, her story is more complicated than that, but her kindness and generosity has always stuck out among those I’ve spoken with.
It turned out to be one of my top-read stories, all because my editor noticed that people cared about this CVS employee. During the last few weeks of my senior year, long after the story had been printed, the employee checked me out, naturally saying, “have a excellent,” and told me that she had recently been honored at a reception. They dug out my story and read an excerpt from that simple profile.
“All this fuss, over me,” she said, chuckling.
It’s still one of my favorite stories.
Content is everywhere, yes. But noticing it? That’s all on you.
[image: katmere]
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{ 7 comments… read them below or add one }
Very true. Everybody has a story to tell it’s just a matter if you’re willing to listen.
You have just summed up one of the primary reasons I love reporting, the surprise of finding out someone’s story when you’re seemingly just sitting down for a chat. Great post–and your lead made me laugh out loud. We’ve all been there.
Well put!
@ bill – ah, that’s the next step. “Writing so people will listen.” That’s where it gets a bit trickier…
@ Melanie – It’s one of the reasons I love profiles so much. Glad to have amused you
@ Mohmed – Thanks!
@ Chloe – And arguably, that’s the difference between someone who writes and a writer. Would you agree?
@ bill – I definitely would agree with that … You need to put something out there that is relevant and interesting versus just “writing to write.” Hopefully, Engage is a step in the right direction for that. Thanks for commenting!
Awesome article. You are absolutely right about this. Some of the best stuff is very close to us. Thanks for sharing.