“It’s
Freelance Writer’s Appreciation Week, and I just want you to know you and your
writing are appreciated,” a relative wrote.
Ah, the
glamorous life of a freelance journalist! I smiled, but at the same time, I
could see the expressions of other family members when they ask, “So are you
still doing that writing thing?” Like it’s some kind of phase I’m going
through. Like they don’t think I actually earn a living putting words on paper.
(I do, trust me.)
The
convo reminded me of the “What People Think I Do” meme that shows six
viewpoints of the journalistic/writing life.
Frame
one shows ‘What my friends think I do’ with a photo of a person writing at the
neighborhood coffee shop. Sure, if I lived in Lincoln, I might be at The Mill,
pouring my heart onto a Word document. But let’s be realistic. I live on a
farm, I teach three hours a day, and my drive time totals at least two hours.
Starbucks isn’t an option.
Frame
two explains ‘What my Mom thinks I do’ and shares a picture of Diane Sawyer at
the ABC news desk. My mom and dad know better. They’ve accompanied me on photo
shoots and story assignments. They’ve watched me cover an event, review notes,
and send an article to a publication within 15 minutes of the end of the event.
They wouldn’t want me to be Diane, anyway. They’d prefer I emulate Meredith
Vieira or Ann Curry.
Frame
three elucidates society’s vision of the writing life: a blur of camera flashes
as I chase down a subject. Yup, happens all the time, especially when I have to
photograph a herd of cows or the newest wine bottled by a Nebraska winery.
Frame
four illustrates ‘What editors and clients think.’ A girl holds a sign stating
she will work for free. Ha! Maybe I’m lucky, maybe it’s because I am – and primarily
work with - Midwestern publications and we are known for our strong sense of
values, but I’ve never had that problem.
Frame
five justifies ‘What I think I do.’ Sure I’d love to get wrapped up in some
investigative piece, ala Robert Redford and Dustin Hoffman in “All The
President’s Men.” Wouldn’t it be
challenging to delve into some scandal and report the facts and tell the
truth? This leads to frame six…
‘What I
really do.’ I spend a lot of time writing about people and events in this area.
I read a lot and see what correlations I can make in our region and then seek
potential story candidates. These are the stories that interest me and are
important to share with others. Every person has a story to tell, and I enjoy
being able to relate those significant, heartbreaking, heartwarming, offbeat
stories because ultimately, they are the fabric of what unites us, what creates
empathy with others.
Some
writers make you think; others make you wonder. As a writer, I appreciate capturing
a reader’s imagination, letting the story unfold.
It’s what I hope I do.
by LuAnn Schindler
2 comments:
Great fun...and informative! Thanks for sharing this with us.
I saw that meme you are talking about--all of those were going around Facebook for awhile. They were hysterical--especially ones that related to me. :) And oh yes the question, Are you still doing the writing thing? I think I've blogged about it before, too. :)
Post a Comment