The Slice: Wannabe journalists: Grab your scissors

I never know what I’ll find when I open my e-mail.

“Dear Mr. Turner,

“Hello, my name is Brooke Lively and I am a sophomore at Lewis and Clark High School. I am also a staff writer at the LC Journal. I am supposed to interview a professional journalist for a project and I was hoping you could take a few minutes to answer a couple of questions. Thank you very much for your time, I truly appreciate it.”

She then listed nine questions.

1. How long have you been writing for?

Since newspaper reporters, columnists and editors wrote on devices that were known as typewriters. They were clunky, but reliable. (Next time, make “for” the first word of your question instead of the last.)

2. What type of stories do you write for the paper?

My goal is to have column items clipped out and taped to the fridge. I want to prompt people to say, “Hey, listen to this.”

3. Where did you get your start as a journalist?

When I was your age, Brooke, I wrote letters to the editor that the Burlington (Vermont) Free Press actually published. I discovered that I enjoyed spouting off.

4. What do you enjoy the most about being a journalist?

Having an audience.

It’s important to keep in mind that “journalist” covers a lot of job descriptions. But in my case, connecting with readers is what I enjoy. Many of them trust me to tell their stories. That never gets old.

5. How did the slice come about?

In 1992, the editors in charge of turning Empire Life into IN Life wanted to have an interactive presence on the front of the features section (now called Today).

6. What’s the strangest thing that has ever happened to you as a journalist?

When I was working in Memphis in the mid-‘80s, I wrote a column expressing weariness with Elvis mania. Death threats and network TV interviews followed. It was surreal.

7. Do you have any advice for a student whose looking at journalism as a career?

Yes. Determine early on if you can tolerate criticism. By the way, in this instance, it is “who is,” not “whose.”

Beyond that, I’d recommend that you strive to write with clarity and precision. All the new technology is swell. But there will always be a need for people who can focus and tell stories in an elegant, coherent way.

And learn to listen.

8. What is the best way to deal with deadline pressure?

Start worrying early on, be hyper-organized and remember that sportswriters have it way, way worse.

9. What is the toughest thing about being a journalist?

For me, it’s coming to grips with the fact that, sometimes, the truth can hurt people’s feelings.

Good luck, Brooke.

“Today’s Slice question: How are kids with insane name spellings going to Google each other after they are out of school and wondering about their old classmates?