Shraddha Chakradhar

One more week left to apply for the NASW Diversity Fellowship! Get your applications in: https://www.nasw.org/article/apply-nasw-diversity-fellowship-april-9 … #divsciwri #mediadiversity @ScienceWriters

cc: @culturedishhttps://twitter.com/ananyo/status/978264343543508993 …

One of the best takeaways from #narrativeBU: all the excellent pieces of journalism I now get to go read! So many great examples shared during the past few days. And to look forward to next year: Katherine Boo (!!!), @just_shelter and @elisaslow!

On oversharing, Galofaro reminds people that she’s a reporter in case embarrassing details emerge. But also, what she considers embarrassing/TMI isn’t what a source may think. Ultimately, what goes in story needs to serve narrative, not be gratuitous #narrativeBU

If your source seems to have incorrect facts is offering opinions based on those facts, @clairegalofaro says she offers up the correct facts (if she knows them/is sure) to let people respond. You don’t want people to look stupid. #narrativeBU

Common thread at #narrativeBU: when talking to sources about difficult subjects (sexual harassment or drug abuse), impressing upon them that they could make a difference by telling their story could get them to share.

On gathering details? You never know when details of interest are going to emerge. Could be during a totally mundane conversation (like scheduling an interview). So always be prepared, even if it’s outside the scope of an interview with a source. #narrativeBU

Galofaro’s “favorite” Appalachian stereotype (she doesn’t actually like it) is the portrayal of source as drinking Mountain Dew. Does a disservice and portrays the person as a hillbilly. As a Kentuckian, I too hate when people rely on these clichéd images #narrativeBU

Important part of reporting on people who distrust the media is to approach the sources with no judgement, says @clairegalofaro, who reported on problems in Appalachia. We can all think back to moments in our lives to relate to different people, so clue into that #narrativeBU

.@lpolgreen encourages journalists to ask, “Whose story are we telling? Who are we telling it to?” #narrativeBU

Surprising takeaway from #narrativeBU: Lots to learn from country music, apparently. @egabler & @RaquelRutledge talked about simple lyrics & narrative quality of country songs, which often tell a story (think Johnny Cash). I’m not a country fan, but might give in for inspiration!

Read someone whose work you don’t know. Either new writer or new publication. Reading outside insular ecosystems could be beneficial (for Gay it’s @amconmag and @sciencemagazine) #narrativeBU

Who should you write for? Anyone that pays. Also, look for good website aesthetics and if there’s an editor you want to work for. Specifically, @The_Rumpus, @GuernicaMag & similar smaller outlets where editors can give time to pieces. #narrativeBU

Piece of advice you wish you got when younger? Don’t wait around for confidence/just do it. No threshold for being a writer except just writing. Don’t say that you want to be a writer, say you *are* a writer. #narrativeBU

When writing about personal experiences, make sure there’s a narrative purpose for the details you include. Dealing with editors on personal pieces, try to be rational on the feedback. If pushing back, make sure you can answer “why?” & that it’s not about ego. #narrativeBU

It’s so horrible when people who have already made it through the gates try to close the gates for those who are trying to make it through by saying you don’t fit a type to do journalism. #narrativeBU

On being so prolific? Gay tries to write every day and reads every day. It’s a question of habit. A thing that any writer can do is to take themselves seriously. Also, as a black writer, Gay says she has to be prolific/work harder. #narrativeBU

“I respond to about 5% of my trolls. It just makes me feel better.” But also, it’s important that people see what’s really going on and how people like her are targeted. #narrativeBU