I am grinning from ear to ear

I'm a new writer, and have had two [paid] pieces published, and the rest are floating around in submission land.

I write mostly essays, and went back to college this past March for journalism as a back up plan, if I want to pursue this writing thing; plus I wasn't that familiar with journalism writing. I'd like to work at a newspaper as a day job and do a little freelancing on the side.

Anyway, this past weekend I decided to do a self-assignment at a neighborhood event. I wrote an article about it and sent it to three neighborhood papers. I introduced myself as a journalism student. One got back to me. I was too nervous to open it right away, so I watched it for a couple of hours . When I did, just now, it was from the editor. He said, "It's a fine piece of work, and well written. However, we can't fit it into our upcoming issue." But, he did send me on another assignment.


Sorry if this post isn't coherent, my hands are shaking and I'm still nervous. I've got to call my husband (who edited the story for me), my mom, and my journalism professor

I just got back from reporting. People were really nice when I introduced myself as a freelance reporter for the paper

I did call one of the persons on the phone to confirm some allegations, and went to do some "shoe-leather" reporting (that means to go and knock on some doors). I talk to a few people and even got photographs (I'm a photographer too).

I have to call a few bigwigs on Monday to get their comments.

I am currently working for the student newspaper, so I have a smidgen of experience (ha! not much ), and have worked on investigative pieces.

I hope he doesn't keep me too busy, I still have schoolwork to get done.

triceretops said:

Yeah, for Hannah. I was a newspaper and editor and it was a thrill, believe me. Now all you need is that press I.D. badge. Get the bulldog clip!


Tri

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I was just telling my hubby that I needed a press I.D. and I'd be all set

If's funny, when I bought a voice recorder, I tested it doing an interview with the hubby; "Hello, this is Hannah from the XXXX Times and I'd like to ask you a few questions." He bursted into laughter for about five minutes. Now he's really proud of me (and thankful that the tuition he's paying is paying off).

Hehehehehehe. he want's a 450-word article by Monday

Okeedookee, I turned in my story with photographs and he liked it! He's gonna run it, and cut me a check

He also asked me if I had anything else cookin. I told him no, but if he want's to throw something my way, the end of school semester is this Thursday.

I guess I'm on my way

I do have a story that I'm working on for the school newspaper, but I'm sure he won't be interested in that

Also, I have an idea or two brewing, but I wasn't sure if it's right for the paper. I suppose I could pitch it to him.

One of the stories I have in mind is a profile of a woman that lives around the corner from me. She has jazz jam sessions in her apartment every Sunday. I went a few weeks ago, took some notes, while my husband took some photos. I met a few "famous" jazz old-timers there, and even interviewed them. I wanted to dig really into it and do it, creative non-fiction, essay style, not necessarily "newspaper style". Don't know if it would be appropriate for their paper.

Also, there is a group of nuns who moved into my neighborhood last summer. I saw one of them and took her photograph. I also asked her why they don't live in a convent. She said, "The convent is wherever the nuns go." It just looks pretty weird when one of them (there are about four total) is out in the front yard sweeping the sidewalk in full nun get-up. But every time I see one of them, I'm almost running late for school, so I can't really talk. I'd like to spend a few days with them.