When is the Best Time to Write?

As a young reporter for a news weekly decades ago, I had been assigned to cover a controversial story regarding whether or not the faculty of a large university was going to issue a vote of no confidence on its president.  I went to the meeting, made copious notes of who said what on which side, and dutifully reported back to my editor. Even though the deadline was days away, he told me to write the story right away – some of the best advice I’ve ever received as a writer.

Writing is all about timing.  While the events, research, interviews and other due diligence are fresh on your mind, start writing. Even if this means you have to write on a piecemeal basis following the gathering of new information, the outcome will be much more reflective of the facts.  For example, you’ll be able to include the visuals and tone of an interview through your choice of adjectives and verbs.  “Academicians took turns at the microphone” versus “dozens of academicians anxiously awaited their turn at the microphone”.  Similarly, “We voted him out,” said Professor Jones doesn’t convey “We voted him out,” shouted Professor Jones.

As writers, our job is to accurately relay an experience to people who weren’t there. When you can pen the story as soon as possible after you’ve completed an interview, researched some facts, confirmed some details or attended the event, you and your readers benefit.

Susan Hart, APR, is an independent Public Relations consultant with 25+ years of experience. Beginning as a journalist, she represents clients in health care, financial, technology and real estate offering professional writing as a primary service. She is accredited by the PRSA.