I don't know what I'm doing wrong.?

Question

At every reporting internship-- and now it's a job-- I've been the least prolific reporter. Most of the time, I've produced the quality work though.

Now I'm the third week into my new job, and quality takes a back seat to quantity. But I can't seem to move past my problem of struggling for stories.

It's like the one thing I am never good at.
Does anyone else have that one thing? What should I do?

This could mean my job in a few weeks.

Answer 1

Been there, here's some of what I learned.
You think too hard, think too much and are aiming for perfection.
It even shows in this question. Look how perfectly structured and worded it is. You have got to learn to relax a little. Enjoy the writing experience.
Respect the newspaper's style yet do not lose quality. Sometimes, that is a tough nut to crack.
Here's a thought; if possible invite one of the newspaper's more seasoned reporters to coffee. Make small talk. Ask someone to mentor you.
Don't tell them that you have an interest in maintaining a job rather that you want your contributions to the newspaper, or whatever medium you're working on, to help it grow and to become more profitable.They'll respect that because it's their goal too.

Also, read the work of the writers who have made contributions to the newspaper, or medium, for a longer period of time than yourself. Remember that although reporters spend a lot of time working in a vacuum (alone), ultimately, like anything else. you're part of a team.

Every story has a beginning and an end; make those work with strong leads, comprehensive sentences and let it ride. Next assignment?
Compare your style to other writers on the paper/medium. What can you learn from them? What do they do differently? If you're smart, you'll pay attention.

Speaking of paying attention, do pay attention to every remark, comment or line that is edited in your work. What was the editior's point? If you don't understand ask, that's what your editor is there for, therefore ask. Take mental and written notes. In the real world, your editor can make or break your career. Learn his style, likes and dislikes.

Best of wishes to you!

Answer 2

I have a story for you, but you won't be able to get it out even if it is the truth, there will be one excuse or another, investigate the lies of psychiatry and the systems and pharma. The New York Times just did a story on how Zyprexa lied about knowing how dangerous it's drug was. That is a good area, but to risky for most main stream and because of advertising revenues.

Answer 3

It doesn't matter what situation I'm in. Whether at work, or play, I always say there's a million stories out there. Wasn't there some TV show where they threw a dart into the map of the US and then did a report on that town?

Answer 4

be yourself #1,, because that is who you will be when it gets real,,you know what i mean.............don't go for the top story you are new,,shoot for the middle,,fires,death,, the eye grabbers that no one would know about if you hadn't told them,,something new.. no one watches good news unfortunately,,go for the heart midstream...