Chapter 1 and 2 Extra Credit Questions

1. Writing a story is a very complex process that involves a lot of different people. It starts with an idea, then the reporter begins researching the story and interviewing various people, putting all of the pieces together. They will then toss the story around with their editor just to brainstorm different ideas and figure out where to go with the story, or what's missing. The final facts are either found or trimmed out of the outline of the story. And at last, the reporter actually types up the story, which takes only about 10% of the time that is put into bringing a story together.

2. There are quite a few potential challenges, but only a few stick out. First of all, finding all the pieces of a story can be very challenging. Many times people refuse to cooperate (whether it's your editor or the person you're interviewing), and vital areas of the story are left blank until the very last minute, if they are ever filled at all. Also, with so many people working on a story, you are bound to disagree with any person that is working on the story with you, especially the editor. Sometimes the story cannot be told exactly the way you want it to be.

3. Thankfully, we live in a very technologically advanced society, where it is easier than ever to acquire information from various sources, whether it be through the phone, internet, or a quick e-mail. Stories are never going to be published exactly the way you want them to be, but every time you work with a group of people on a story you are improving your people skills and showing them the kind of person you are and the kind of stories you want to write. Each time you write a new story, it should become easier to deal with outside factors.