Diary pt. 1

It may seem a little odd, or even complacent, to write my first diary entry nearly 6 weeks in to my current freelance placement. However, I believe having this running start gives my entries a touch more validity and authority, rather than documentation of being baptised by fire. I can look at the events of the past few weeks retrospectively, and draw back upon them for points of comparison.

The last few weeks have had their highs and their lows. I’ve had stories stolen by the nationals, my first front page, and seem to have picked up the responsibility of the weekly dating feature – an irony not lost upon myself, all things considering.

It sounds obvious, I know, but as a freelance journalist, it is vital necessity for one to be versatile and adaptive. As you can see by the tags on this blog, I’ve written lead stories on everything from environmental issues, to news-worthy entertainment and nightlife events. The focus and style of the stories in these themes are dramatically different, and one must take into consideration the audience and what information they actually want to receive.

On a regional news team, each contracted member of staff have their own specialism; community, defense, education, health, etc. This gives them an endless source of lead ideas and downpage fodder, as they are known throughout the area as the journalists to go to on these matters. If anything, working on a long-term freelance position requires an exhausting amount of effort just to get one’s name associated with a topic, to be the go-to journalist, so as not to fall short with lead ideas and sources of downpage.

So far, I’ve had 23 lead news stories, 5 features, 2 video game reviews, and a truck load of downpage in print. Considering what I charge, I don’t think I’m that bad value for money.

Now, back to my pending dating feature; Lincoln’s women are looking for love…

Until next time.