A Reporter Explains His Approach to Writing News and Features

“You need to report, not interview your thumb,” he mentioned.

Getting Right down to Writing

Mr. Barnes by no means outlines his information or characteristic articles, however as a substitute works off his notes, which he’ll seek the advice of as he’s writing.

He gathers all of his notes from his interviews and analysis, each typed and handwritten, and inputs one of the best quotes, information and figures right into a Microsoft Phrase doc. In contrast to a information article, a characteristic could contain a number of makes an attempt at a compelling first few sentences — often known as the lede — and plenty of rewriting. “I’ve been identified to fixate on a lede for for much longer than I ought to,” he mentioned.

Structurally, a information article is far more easy than a characteristic: In a information article, a very powerful and well timed info seems within the first few sentences, with the remaining information typically offered in descending order of significance. In a characteristic, in contrast, the author usually delays the revelation of sure particulars as a way to construct suspense.

Touchdown on the Voice

One other distinction, Mr. Barnes mentioned, is the voice that he interjects — or doesn’t — into an article. A information article is normally devoid of private taste, whereas a characteristic will be saturated with it. He says he typically tries to “self-censor” his voice in a information article. In a characteristic, there may be room for extra lyrical description; Mr. Barnes is ready to dwell on how a topic attire, talks and reacts to his questions.

Engaged on Edits

The modifying course of additionally differs. With options, it might probably contain a number of fine-tuning: Ledes could also be thrown out and paragraphs rewritten. With a information article, an editor acts extra like a security web than a pruner or a polisher, making certain that reporters on deadline aren’t overlooking essential info or related questions, and that they aren’t committing any apparent factual errors.

Having fun with Each Kinds

The best problem in writing a information article, in Mr. Barnes’s opinion, is attaining each velocity and accuracy on deadline. Options current a unique conundrum: A author should fastidiously condense hours of interviews and analysis right into a gripping-yet-accurate narrative that doesn’t get slowed down with superfluous info.

Although Mr. Barnes says he enjoys each kinds, he’s at all times had a transparent desire.

“I’m a characteristic author who’s someway managed to not get fired as a enterprise reporter for 20 years,” he mentioned.