The Q&A story format allows writers to act as mediums between experts and audiences, tackling both broad and nuanced topics and exploring through conversation the expert’s story, thought processes, and accumulated knowledge. But preparing, steering, and editing an interview as a stand-alone article poses challenges—and opportunities—that differ from those of a typical news story. The post Crafting Clear and Conversational Q&As appeared first on The Open Notebook.| The Open Notebook
During a reporting trip to Patagonia, science journalists Muriel Alarcón and Christian Elliott teamed up to cover a scientific milestone: a successful lab reproduction of cold-water corals originally found in the Comau Fjord. Their decision to visit the remote fjord—with a local fisherman turned guide—added depth to their stories but also caused them to miss the moment the corals spawned. In this interview, they reflect on how their collaboration enriched their reporting and how they ada...| The Open Notebook
Sarah Cox, British Columbia bureau lead at The Narwhal, has spent her career covering the province’s many environmental problems. Among these issues, her biggest bugbear has been Site C, the multibillion-dollar hydroelectric dam on the Peace River that has destroyed forests, arable soil, and Indigenous lands. Over 12 years of reporting, Cox has become the journalistic authority on Site C. She talks about long-term reporting, how these stories develop, and maintaining hope in the face of dev...| The Open Notebook
Many reporters hesitate to invest time or money in a potential story without any guarantee of a return, but they overlook pre-reporting—or developing a story before it’s accepted for publication—at their own risk. A well-planned pre-reporting process helps journalists stress-test story ideas, solidify communication with sources, build confidence in a beat, nail pitches, and ultimately develop richer stories. Pre-reporting, when done well, may even boost your efficiency and save you time...| The Open Notebook