In Notes a Wise Writer Trusts

by PeggySue Wells @PeggySueWells

My first interview as a reporter, I arrived armed with a recording device and a cub’s notebook containing strategically prepared questions.

The subject of my feature story was gracious and generous with his time and information. Back at my desk, I set about writing the profile, only to discover that the recorder had fritzed. Not a single word from the hour-long conversation had been preserved.

Thankfully, I had taken notes beside my list of questions in the notebook, partially out of habit and mostly to steady (camouflage) my nervousness. Those quotes were gems for the article.

A few years later, I landed a phone interview with another high profile person. Kind, genuine, and humble, she quickly put me at ease and made my job effortless. During our conversation, she provided excellent material, taught me a lot, and in the process somehow made me feel like I was the important one on the call.

Because of schedules, this phone interview occurred late evening. Following the call, my notes were moved to the side of the desk and I went to bed. Fast forward a couple weeks while completing other chapters in the book project before I revisited those vital notes. Of course my quickly scribbled notetaking was in my own brand of shorthand and after the passage of time it took twice as long to expand the phrases and put them in order. 

The lesson I learned is, whether my notes are handwritten or typed into my laptop, I either write the rough draft while everything is fresh or take that vital 20 minutes following the interview to fill in the details and embellish shorthand into complete thoughts and quotes that will be clear for the final writing. 

Even if I record an interview, I take notes. Several times my recording didn’t turn out, or the quality was inconsistent often due to movement and interruptions during the interview. Each time I’ve been able to transform the trusty notes into a fine article.

And that interview that made me feel like I was the important one on the call? She’s become a treasured friend and coauthor. Every encounter, I learn something valuable from her and she still treats me like I’m the most important person in our conversations. Some folks are class acts and a privilege to interview.

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Tropical island votary and history buff, PeggySue Wells parasails, skydives, snorkels, scuba dives, and has taken (but not passed) pilot training. Writing from the 100-Acre wood in Indiana, Wells is the bestselling author of twenty-eight books including The Slave Across the Street, Slavery in the Land of the Free, Bonding With Your Child Through Boundaries, Homeless for the Holidays, and Chasing Sunrise. Optimistic dream-driver, PeggySue is named for the Buddy Holly song with the great drumbeat. At school author visits, she teaches students the secrets to writing, and speaks at events and conferences. Connect with her at www.PeggySueWells.com, on Facebook at PeggySue Wells, and Twitter @PeggySueWells.