Most popular posts of 2017

Posted in backstory, behind the scenes, business, coaching, creativity, editing, freelance, goals, journalism, ModernJournalistToolkit, pitching, reporting, sources, South Africa, writing

It’s that time of year when many people, including myself, look back at the year that’s been. Instead of tallying up all the items on my to-do lists that didn’t get done, I’m looking for things I did do. I invite you to try this as well.

In 2017 I hit 20 posts in the blog’s miniseries, Modern Journalist Toolkit. I also wrote and recorded some non-MJT blog posts. And no, I can’t give you a very good explanation of why some are MJT and others aren’t. If you can figure it out, let me know.

Here’s a recap of the posts that got the most attention this year:

7 – Ways your environment impacts your writing and creativity

Where you are impacts how and what you write.

6- A new answer to “Why now?”

One of the best ways to improve your pitch acceptance rate is for the story to have organic urgency.

5- The quarterback, the quiet friend, and “effortless” assignments

It can take a lot of work to get those drop-in-your-lap assignments.

4- Freelancing in the era of Trump with Ray Joseph

Fake news, disinformation, verification, and lessons from reporting under apartheid that may apply today.

3- Get your freelance clients to pay on time

Rather than chasing down deadbeats, these tips work to get the payment in on time in the first place.

2- Saving and organizing clips