The Shared Writer Brain

One of the great things about being a writer is that we are all automatically part of a shared mental state. It may seem like we pound away at the keys alone, but we are actually closely aligned with thousands of others out there doing the same thing - some with amazing results.

This happy reality hit home for me today as I prepared to speak at a college journalism class. I jotted a note on Facebook asking if anyone had advice they would like to share.

The results were immediate and abundant.

• Some practical: "Learn how to spell:)" and "Don't use apostrophes for plurals unless you are writing about the Oakland A's."
• Some reflected the changing journalism landscape: "Objectivity and balance continue to be important to ensure readers' trust and loyalty, even in this age of "up-to-the-minute" news."
• Some cautionary: "Major in science instead."
• Some inspiring: "Believe in the profession. While the medium may change, the stories still need to be told and will be read."

Many of you suggested finding a subject you cared about and becoming an expert in that field so your writing would reflect that deeper understanding.

One of my favorites came from a publisher who said: "Journalism is a relationship business. Engage, interact and know that it's now a conversation more than a one-way dialogue. Writing the story is just the beginning, not the end of the process. Be passionate, authentic and empathetic. Seek truth above all else."

Isn't that why we got into this business in the first place? We want to know and share the truth, whatever that means. And aren't you glad there is a whole community of writers who think the same way?

What advice would you give a journalism student?

Yours in Writing

Promptmasters

Jennifer Sander

JT Long