Anecdotes Make your anecdotes memorable. When quoting an authority, don't simply provide a string of words, no matter how pointed they may be. Bring the person beingquoted to life. Not, John Higgins, the Curator of the Washington National Museum says ... but, John Higgins, the ruddy faced, broad shouldered Curator ... Even if the interview is being conducted over the telephone, ask the person for a brief description or request a recent photograph. Explain that the photo will not be used in the article, but that you like to get the feel of the person being quoted. Authenticity Every article you submit to a publisher should bear the stamp of authenticity. You must appear to know your subject inside out. By the time you finish the article this is usually the case, but you must convincethe editor. One of the most effective ways to accomplish this isto quote notable authorities. Writing about movies... 'John Smith believes ...' means nothing, but 'In a recent interview, Clint Eastwood said ...' carries much more weight. Make sure you quote correctly. If it's a telephone interview, get it on tape. Better yet, try to get a reply to a letter. Be Specific Hit the reader right at the beginning. Let him/her know what the article is about and then don't let go of the theme. State your premise at the beginning of the article, widen the premise in the next few para- graphs, start proving your point, backing it with authoritive quotes, historical precedents and recent facts. Now let the reader coast for a few minutes while you supply statistical or background information, then wind up to a slam-bang finish, hammering home your point time after time, proving without doubt that you know what you're talking about. Interviews The gentle art of being nosey. Tip No.1 Plan ahead and do your homework - thoroughly.Tip No.2 Smile. Be likeable. Don't be 'tough'. Tip No.3 Try to see your interviewee's point of view. Tip No.4 Don't get into arguments. Tip No.5 Train yourself to be a good listener. Tip No.6 Watch out for unexpected, unusual sidelights.Tip No.7 Get all you need first time. Don't ask for another interview because you missed out. Tip No.8 Write it up as soon as possible. Tips Nos. 9 - 100 Be courteous, be courteous, be cour Inspiration How to get ideas for articles that will sell. First, know your markets. Read the magazines which interest you - and a few that don't. Not just one or two copies, but at least a dozen back issues. Get the feel of what the editor likes. Second, let your subconscious go to work. Help it along occasionally by keeping a notebook handy at all times. As soon as an idea hits, write it down. No matter how good the idea, it is likely to vanish faster than spare change in your pocket. Original ideas, ones that editors like, will vanish even faster. Keep It Simple One of the greatest secrets to instant acceptance. If your reader has to fight for knowledge, has to struggle to understand what you are trying to say and has to keep a dictionary handy, your acceptance ratio is likely to be quite low. Who was it said, "The man is intoxicated by the exuberance of his own verbosity"? The computer world has brought about a few nice phrases and acronyms. One of the best is surely, K.I.S.S. Keep it simple, stupid. Anniversaries When all else fails and ideas are as scarce as help in a department store, try anniversaries. Who was the first person to cross the ... build a .. When was the Titanic launched? Who made the first candy bar? When? When was the first moon landing? When was the NFL formed? The NBA? Who received the first Purple Heart? When? Why? Dr Roger Bannister ran the first four minute mile. When? Where is he now? Who was the 'rabbit'? Your mind refuses to be a vacuum, it just needs a push now and then.
