#109: Nora Neus — Turn Your Ideas Into Newsworthy Stories, Pitching Articles, Books and Graphic Novels
Jun 29, 2024
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Nora Neus, an Emmy-nominated journalist with experience at CNN and The Washington Post, shares her journey from major news organizations to freelance independence. She discusses the ethics of storytelling, especially during crises, and how personal strengths can shape narratives. Nora explores the art of adapting stories for various formats, including graphic novels, and highlights the importance of authenticity. She also provides insights into balancing multiple creative projects and navigating the changing landscape of independent journalism.
Nora Neus emphasizes the vital role of ethical storytelling in journalism, advocating for respectful representation of individuals' narratives and experiences.
She highlights the necessity for writers to develop versatile skills across multiple media formats to effectively reach diverse audiences.
Nora advises aspiring writers to approach pitching with confidence, focusing on authenticity and unique lived experiences to enhance their proposals.
Deep dives
The Early Roots of Journalism
Nora Noose's journey into journalism began at a young age, showcasing her innate fascination with storytelling. Growing up in a household where news was a focal point, her early attempt at creating a newspaper highlighted her inclination toward reporting. This early passion was pivotal in shaping her career, leading to her later professional success. Her experiences during a tumultuous time at the University of Virginia further solidified her understanding of responsible journalism, shaping her ethical approach to storytelling.
The Importance of Ethical Storytelling
Nora emphasizes the significance of ethical storytelling and the responsibility journalists have toward their subjects. Drawing from her personal experiences, particularly the way media covered sensitive issues, she advocates for a respectful representation of individuals' stories. This commitment to integrity is reflected in her work, as she strives to create genuine connections with the people she reports on. For Nora, this ethical practice is crucial not just for accuracy but for honoring the humanity of those involved.
Navigating the Freelance Landscape
Transitioning from a structured environment like CNN to freelancing posed both challenges and opportunities for Nora. She adopted a diverse approach, venturing into various media formats, including articles, graphic novels, and documentaries. This versatility allows her to explore storytelling from different angles and reach wider audiences. Nora's experience underscores the need for writers to embrace multiple platforms and adapt their narratives to fit different mediums.
The Craft of Pitching Ideas
Nora stresses the importance of pitching as an essential skill for writers seeking to break into journalism. She advises aspiring writers to confidently identify themselves as freelance writers while building a portfolio that reflects their unique perspectives. By emphasizing the value of one's lived experiences, she encourages writers to craft pitches that thrive on authenticity. Nora's strategies also include researching editors and venues thoroughly to enhance the likelihood of successful pitches.
Finding Your Voice in Journalism
Throughout her career, Nora has discovered the importance of finding and honing one's unique voice in journalism. She encourages writers to explore their interests and backgrounds, using them as assets in their narrative style. By recognizing that everyone's experiences shape their storytelling, Nora advocates for authenticity in writing, whether through personal anecdotes or broader societal themes. This guidance serves as a reminder that unique voices enrich the journalistic landscape, creating a more diverse array of narratives.
Nora Neus, Emmy-nominated producer, writer, and freelance journalist (CNN, Vice News, The Washington Post) and creator of the Long Form Lab on finding a story from the seed of an idea, how writers can discover and use their strengths and how to choose which media to use for a potential story.
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ABOUT NORA NEUS
Nora Neus is an Emmy-nominated journalist whose reporting has appeared in CNN, VICE News, the Washington Post, and more. Neus field-produced Anderson Cooper’s coverage of the 2017 white nationalist riot in Charlottesville, Virginia for CNN. She is the co-author of the YA graphic novel Muhammad Najem, War Reporter: How One Boy Put the Spotlight on Syria.