As a journalist I always listen carefully to the people I’m talking to, note their body language and how they behave. See how nervous they are. How quickly they relax. It’s rare that I interview someone while their partner is there. Usually the interview is between me and the other person. I always make notes and record the interview as well, and it’s interesting transcribing the tape afterwards, because every often what you think they might have said wasn’t that at all - or the nuances are different.
Over the years I have developed my own style of writing which is now as natural to me as breathing. Editors seem to like it, and so do readers. Those who have been interviewed tend to like it too.
Every now and then there is an exception and as someone who cares about my work and the people I interview, it matters if other people aren’t happy. It keeps me awake at night, because I’m a professional - I want to do a good job.
Sometimes it means walking away from a job. I’ve only had to do that once before when my editor asked, “is this the sort of person you think we should be featuring?” My answer was no.
Life is about a balance and sometimes it’s not always possible to achieve that.
Unless you’re Moll, of course, who just knows that she’s right all the time. This is her at the helm.
10 comments:
Interesting post, Sue. I love your style! Lucky you going out on September xx
We are all surrounded by wonderful people in our lives and sometimes forget that not everyone is so lovely. It looks like you found one of the more difficult characters, Sue. x
Rena - yes but I guess there's always a reason why people are difficult! x
Sally - yes, September was amazing ...!
I think that it's good that you use your intuition when it comes to interviewing folk. I'm sure that it enables you to do a really good interview and put folk at their ease. There will always be the odd interview that doesn't go as you would like it too, but that's because "there's nowt so queer as folk" is there?
What a beautiful boat/ship September is. Glad to see Molly in charge of things. Your photo's are so lovely Sue,they make me want to take up sailing even though I'm very, very scared of water
Is that a lighthouse in the background or a defence tower of some sort.
Kim - so glad you enjoy the pictures. It's St Mawes castle in the background - its twin is Pendennis Castle, in Falmouth,over the water.
Moll looks a dab hand at the helm - she obviously likes being afloat.
Addy - she likes it as long as it's not rough! It got a bit bumpy the other day and she didn't enjoy it at all, bless her!
Moll does look suited to the Nautical life...what does she do when it gets a bit rough ?
Trubes - it has to be said, she doesnt like it when it gets rough so best to leave her behind!
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