Journeyman Journalist, 1979: C’est la vie
Reading Time: 2 minutes Any writer who doesn’t want to become a laughingstock must do research and understand the subject thoroughly. Continue reading Journeyman Journalist, 1979: C’est la vie
Category: ON WRITING
Howard Fielding’s thoughts and updates on the craft of writing and the life of a new-found freelance.
Journeyman Journalist, 1979: Managing editor
Reading Time: 2 minutes As ego-boosting as the title of Managing Editor may be, the root of the title is managing rather than editor. Continue reading Journeyman Journalist, 1979: Managing editor
Journeyman Journalist, 1979: Enjoying the role
Reading Time: 2 minutes I’m very excited with the progress and potential of my new position. Ideas are flowing. Things look good. This week’s paper looks excellent … Continue reading Journeyman Journalist, 1979: Enjoying the role
Journeyman Journalist, 1979: The dilemma, conclusion
Reading Time: 2 minutes I was young, inexperienced, a bit naive. But I was on a mission — months before the Blues Brothers went on their “mission from God.” Continue reading Journeyman Journalist, 1979: The dilemma, conclusion
Journeyman Journalist, 1979: The dilemma, Part II
Reading Time: 2 minutes Too early in my journalistic career, I was recruited by a competitor to become editor of a rival weekly. The offer was hard to resist. Should I take it? Continue reading Journeyman Journalist, 1979: The dilemma, Part II
Journeyman Journalist, 1979: The dilemma, Part I
Reading Time: 2 minutes Only a few days after opportunity rang me up, it started breaking down the door. I needed to make some difficult professional and ethical choices — fast. Continue reading Journeyman Journalist, 1979: The dilemma, Part I
Budding Writer, 1979: Catching up
Reading Time: 2 minutes It wasn’t until years later — as a father, as a homeowner, as a retiree — that I learned that being “caught up” is an illusion. Continue reading Budding Writer, 1979: Catching up
Journeyman Journalist, 1979: Opportunity knocks (again)
Reading Time: 2 minutes I was being wooed by a rival that seemed prepared to catch my current employer in a pincer grip. Should I warn him? What should I do? Continue reading Journeyman Journalist, 1979: Opportunity knocks (again)
Budding Writer, 1979: Oh, Henry!
Reading Time: 2 minutes He could be wordy, but Henry Fielding was a wit, a charmer, and a roué. He loved roasting critics. I felt a kinship with him. Continue reading Budding Writer, 1979: Oh, Henry!
Journeyman Journalist, 1979: ‘Teach me to write like you’
Reading Time: 2 minutes Later in my career I would learn that an important part of being an editor is teaching the craft to others and mentoring them. Continue reading Journeyman Journalist, 1979: ‘Teach me to write like you’