Hiroshima Assignment:
What works in this book?
I really enjoyed the wide range of characters in the book. The six people that John Hersey the author chose to focus on were very different and at different stages in their lives. In my opinion, this made the story more impactful. Each character went through their own experiences, reactions and perspectives including their invididual outcomes from experiencing the atomic bomb. All of the details used to describe these experiences were very clear and brought the characters to life.
Using the exact time to describe what each character was doing precisely when the bomb struck was a very impactful way to tie the story together and keep it consistent. This technique really made me feel like I was there with the characters every step of the way and made me invision how vulnerable Hiroshima was.
The intense descriptions of the injuries that the Hiroshema victims endured really impacted me. My first time reading it was hard as it was unimaginable that people could have even survived such a blast in the first place. The human triumph that Hersey wrote about that came from such horrifc circumstances was overwhelming as well as inspiring. The heroism Mr. Tanimoto displayed was unbelievable. How he was able to be so determined to help as many of his fellow men as he did under such stressful and unknown circumstances was incredible.
What didn’t work for me?
What didn't work for me in this book was the flip flopping back and forth of all the different characters because I found it very confusing. I had to read the names back a few times before I was able to follow the characters properly.
The pronunciations of their names also made me stumble before I became comfortable with them. I would have liked guidance on how to pronounce the names beside them the first time I read them.
The raw truth of it all I found difficult to absorb. On one hand, it made the story more real however, I found it very hard to read and digest at times because of how raw and gory the imagery was. It just disturbed me greatly to read that human beings could have done this to each other.
What can journalists learn from this book?
Journalists can learn about history from this book. They can use it as a reference guide for dates, as well as different organizational bodies that resulted from the tragedy.
From reading Hiroshima, journalists can learn how to write a human tragedy story without putting their own feelings or biases in it. I also think Hiroshima is an excellent resource for a journalist to refer to if he or she needs to learn how to organize factual information on a a large scale. Hiroshima is very thoughtful as far as how it is laid out and organized. Hersey is also very effective in his writing techniques to describe passages of time that move the story along.
How does it compare to another non-fiction work of your choice in any medium?
I can see similarities between John Hersey’s writing style and Mike McIntyre’s writing style especially in McIntyre’s book To The Grave that was the inside look of a spectacular RCMP sting operation. At first, I was not sure how to answer this question but when I started to give it some thought I remembered McIntyre’s writing style is similar to Hersey’s.
In both situations, both authors had enormous amounts of information to organize. They both used the same technique in so far as using specifics such as pertinent times of day or dates to not only create passages of time but to actually organize events and information.
I also found in both pieces of work, the authors kept their own biases out of their writing and kept to the facts and details of the story they were telling. This allowed the reader freedom to come to conclusions and theories about what was actually happening or going to happen in their own.
How was this Hiroshima received when it was published in the New Yorker in 1946?
From researching this question online, I came across an essay written by Steve Rothman back in 1997 when he was a student studying at Harvard University. In his essay, Rothman said that Hiroshima first started out as an article that ended up being 31,000 words in length and it took over the entire magazine.
The story was to be published in August 1946, on the one-year anniversary of the dropping of the bomb. Rothman said the New Yorker published the article in its August 31,1946 issue. The book Hiroshima was published the same year the article came out, 1946.
It was updated in 1985 to tell the stories of the six main characters 40-years later. Rothman said the article created a blast in the publishing world. Rothman also said that The New Yorker sold out immediately, and requests for reprints poured in from all over the world. Following publication, "Hiroshima" was read on the radio in the United States and abroad.
What effect did reading Hiroshima have on you?
It was hard reading Hiroshima to think such devastation would have been acceptable in our world. It really brought home how vulnerable we are to each other’s actions. It also reminded me that we are all human no matter what colour or race or language we speak. The terror of that day, the unknown and the baffling fear of what happened to those poor people is saddening and sobering and thank goodness Hiroshima is there to remind us all of the horror of nuclear weapons and war.
It makes me appreciate peace and my own safety as I wake up every day and fall asleep each night under a warm blanket in a safe place. It also made me proud to be a Canadian.
Sunday, November 27, 2011
Monday, November 21, 2011
Community Journalism Assignment Reflections
What I have learned from working at the Headliner:
Over this semester, all journalism majors had to write five stories for the Canstar Newspaper. Currently, I am on my fifth story. I wanted to take this time to reflect what I have learned about this experience. Before this class exercise, I had always wanted to work as a freelance writer for a newspaper and never really had the guts to actually follow through with it. This assignment forced me to have to follow through with it and I am very happy that I did. I really enjoy this type of work. What I really enjoy is thinking of new story angles. I never knew how much I would enjoy this. What I like most about this is the fact that the idea comes from my own head and then it is turned into a tangible piece of news. I just absolutely love this feeling.
From working in public relations and raising awareness for whatever organization I was working for, I had to attract the attention of journalists to entice them to cover my story. Now, on the other side of the fence, I am the journalist pitching the news angles. It is really interesting to have had both experiences to see what each entails. I think I like both but when the idea is born in my head and accepted by my editor and eventually published, the sense of ownership and accomplishment is really rewarding to me.
My last article that I submitted was about a congregate meal program that the RM of Macdonald is trying to get off the ground. I found this story because I was thinking that with the transition of winter, seniors in rural areas must be facing different challenges than urban seniors. My research produced information about a contact in the RM of Macdonald who is the Seniors Coordinator. I cold called her and we talked about seniors issues that she was contending with and the congregate meal program angle surfaced and I knew this would be a story. A congregate meal program is providing a public venue where seniors can purchase a balanced meal at low cost for either their lunch or dinner.
I submitted this completed story last week Thursday. I ended up driving out to Starbuck Manitoba. Luckily, the roads were still dry at this point. Starbuck is a real little town. I was able to meet with a group of seniors and the Seniors Coordinator at the same time as they were attending a lunch and learn about living with Alzheimer’s. The seniors were a tough crowd and I was only able to take photos of two of them but I at least got the visuals I needed. When I submitted this story, I felt very accomplished because it was my idea from beginning to end and I was very proud of what I had uncovered and developed.
Another thing that I learned that I love doing is meeting all the new people from having to interview them. The relationships that you make from this experience are people I would never have before met. I am really happy I also chose the rural newspaper instead of my original choice of the paper for the River Height area. Writing for the Headliner has given me the opportunity to get out and explore rural Manitoba which is something I would have never done before. Some of the little communities are so quaint and pretty. The people are also very real and down to earth.
I have also learned a lot about writing for newspaper. I realized that I had a tendency to editorialize too much and learned to paraphrase quotes better.
Plus, I now pay close attention of the order of my paragraphs putting the most relevant information first and making sure my story angles are timely. The feedback from my editor was really helpful. Each time he supplied me with constructive criticism, I tried to incorporate this into my article. He was very understanding and patient and understood that these things take time to learn. This assignment as a whole didn’t feel like work to me. I really enjoyed the process and the journey.
This experience made me became more familiar with how to learn how to take photos as I had never used a professional camera before. So, even that was a bit daunting at the beginning. I learned the power of auto focus!
I would like to continue working as a freelance writer. I think I am now curious to find out what it is like to be a freelance writer for a magazine. That will be my next step.
I would love to hear about your experiences throughout this semester doing the community news assignment.
Over this semester, all journalism majors had to write five stories for the Canstar Newspaper. Currently, I am on my fifth story. I wanted to take this time to reflect what I have learned about this experience. Before this class exercise, I had always wanted to work as a freelance writer for a newspaper and never really had the guts to actually follow through with it. This assignment forced me to have to follow through with it and I am very happy that I did. I really enjoy this type of work. What I really enjoy is thinking of new story angles. I never knew how much I would enjoy this. What I like most about this is the fact that the idea comes from my own head and then it is turned into a tangible piece of news. I just absolutely love this feeling.
From working in public relations and raising awareness for whatever organization I was working for, I had to attract the attention of journalists to entice them to cover my story. Now, on the other side of the fence, I am the journalist pitching the news angles. It is really interesting to have had both experiences to see what each entails. I think I like both but when the idea is born in my head and accepted by my editor and eventually published, the sense of ownership and accomplishment is really rewarding to me.
My last article that I submitted was about a congregate meal program that the RM of Macdonald is trying to get off the ground. I found this story because I was thinking that with the transition of winter, seniors in rural areas must be facing different challenges than urban seniors. My research produced information about a contact in the RM of Macdonald who is the Seniors Coordinator. I cold called her and we talked about seniors issues that she was contending with and the congregate meal program angle surfaced and I knew this would be a story. A congregate meal program is providing a public venue where seniors can purchase a balanced meal at low cost for either their lunch or dinner.
I submitted this completed story last week Thursday. I ended up driving out to Starbuck Manitoba. Luckily, the roads were still dry at this point. Starbuck is a real little town. I was able to meet with a group of seniors and the Seniors Coordinator at the same time as they were attending a lunch and learn about living with Alzheimer’s. The seniors were a tough crowd and I was only able to take photos of two of them but I at least got the visuals I needed. When I submitted this story, I felt very accomplished because it was my idea from beginning to end and I was very proud of what I had uncovered and developed.
Another thing that I learned that I love doing is meeting all the new people from having to interview them. The relationships that you make from this experience are people I would never have before met. I am really happy I also chose the rural newspaper instead of my original choice of the paper for the River Height area. Writing for the Headliner has given me the opportunity to get out and explore rural Manitoba which is something I would have never done before. Some of the little communities are so quaint and pretty. The people are also very real and down to earth.
I have also learned a lot about writing for newspaper. I realized that I had a tendency to editorialize too much and learned to paraphrase quotes better.
Plus, I now pay close attention of the order of my paragraphs putting the most relevant information first and making sure my story angles are timely. The feedback from my editor was really helpful. Each time he supplied me with constructive criticism, I tried to incorporate this into my article. He was very understanding and patient and understood that these things take time to learn. This assignment as a whole didn’t feel like work to me. I really enjoyed the process and the journey.
This experience made me became more familiar with how to learn how to take photos as I had never used a professional camera before. So, even that was a bit daunting at the beginning. I learned the power of auto focus!
I would like to continue working as a freelance writer. I think I am now curious to find out what it is like to be a freelance writer for a magazine. That will be my next step.
I would love to hear about your experiences throughout this semester doing the community news assignment.
Friday, November 11, 2011
Phone Interview Jitters
For my latest Canstar article, I had to interview a big wig from RHA. My interview was to discuss congregate meal programs in rural areas of Manitoba. I had this interviewed scheduled for about a week. When the day finally came, I wrote down my questions, how I got my contacts information and made sure I had the five w’s in question format in front of me.
I also wanted to make sure I had a quiet location where I could interview my subject. I went to school a bit early to make sure I could find the appropriate space. I wasn’t able to find a single breakout room available on any floor. I did manage to find the boardroom on the 4th floor, before I used it, I phoned the number on the door to make sure I could use the space.
The person who answered thanked me for calling before I used it and also informed me of the student boardroom that is available to students on the second floor. I was told that you have to book this space from Klara but students are free to use it plus, I believe it is a private room. The boardroom I used on the fourth floor had walls that did not touch the ceiling so it wasn’t a sound proof area. I never knew about the student board room so I just wanted to share that with you.
I had the phone number of my contact written out in front of me along with my questions and I was ready to go. I had to call my source at 1:00pm so I was counting the minutes down on my phone and reviewing my questions. The time finally came when I was supposed to call and I picked up the phone and dialed. I felt a bit nervous at this point but I was able to go through with the call.
My source picked up the phone right away. She needed clarification about why I was calling her and the publication I was writing for so I told her that information and I was able to proceed with the questioning. What I didn’t like was how nervous I soon became. My voice even sounded different to me when I was speaking and that threw me right off.
I also find it very frustrating because I don’t know short hand and I find it hard to keep up with my source while I am writing information down. I always let them know ahead of time that I might have to ask them to repeat themselves upfront to make sure I capture what they are saying accurately. I just really get frustrated with myself having to do this.
I really wish I learned short hand because I am really feeling that would be an invaluable skill. I really do not like doing phone interviews for this reason but I know I have to get used to doing them and find a way that works for me.
I heard a funny saying today called Run on Ralphs and I really have to say, those are the worst. Especially for someone like me with the frustration expressed above. I have done sales in the past and have been trained to focus the conversation and not be afraid to ask for the sale so I am thinking that perhaps I have to use some of those same techniques for my phone interviews. I think I might always feel a bit nervous about phone interviews. When you are not nervous, doesn’t that mean you are too complaisant? Isn’t being a bit nervous an indicator that you care about if you do a good interview?
I am not sure as I am a student learning and this process is a journey. While I was interviewing my source, I did ask her if it would be alright with her to exchange emails should I have any questions while I am writing the article about her piece. She did agree. I asked her if I would be able to email her what I had written about her part to ensure accuracy and she said that would be fine.
I ended up writing out the quotes I was going to use and then sent them off to her for her review and she emailed me back the same afternoon with just a few minor changes in the quotes. So now, I feel confident in the quotes I captured and will submit. I realize that this won’t be possible every time but it worked out well for me this time around.
If any of you have telephone interview jitters, please leave a comment or share with me your tactics to combat your fears. I would love to hear them.
I also wanted to make sure I had a quiet location where I could interview my subject. I went to school a bit early to make sure I could find the appropriate space. I wasn’t able to find a single breakout room available on any floor. I did manage to find the boardroom on the 4th floor, before I used it, I phoned the number on the door to make sure I could use the space.
The person who answered thanked me for calling before I used it and also informed me of the student boardroom that is available to students on the second floor. I was told that you have to book this space from Klara but students are free to use it plus, I believe it is a private room. The boardroom I used on the fourth floor had walls that did not touch the ceiling so it wasn’t a sound proof area. I never knew about the student board room so I just wanted to share that with you.
I had the phone number of my contact written out in front of me along with my questions and I was ready to go. I had to call my source at 1:00pm so I was counting the minutes down on my phone and reviewing my questions. The time finally came when I was supposed to call and I picked up the phone and dialed. I felt a bit nervous at this point but I was able to go through with the call.
My source picked up the phone right away. She needed clarification about why I was calling her and the publication I was writing for so I told her that information and I was able to proceed with the questioning. What I didn’t like was how nervous I soon became. My voice even sounded different to me when I was speaking and that threw me right off.
I also find it very frustrating because I don’t know short hand and I find it hard to keep up with my source while I am writing information down. I always let them know ahead of time that I might have to ask them to repeat themselves upfront to make sure I capture what they are saying accurately. I just really get frustrated with myself having to do this.
I really wish I learned short hand because I am really feeling that would be an invaluable skill. I really do not like doing phone interviews for this reason but I know I have to get used to doing them and find a way that works for me.
I heard a funny saying today called Run on Ralphs and I really have to say, those are the worst. Especially for someone like me with the frustration expressed above. I have done sales in the past and have been trained to focus the conversation and not be afraid to ask for the sale so I am thinking that perhaps I have to use some of those same techniques for my phone interviews. I think I might always feel a bit nervous about phone interviews. When you are not nervous, doesn’t that mean you are too complaisant? Isn’t being a bit nervous an indicator that you care about if you do a good interview?
I am not sure as I am a student learning and this process is a journey. While I was interviewing my source, I did ask her if it would be alright with her to exchange emails should I have any questions while I am writing the article about her piece. She did agree. I asked her if I would be able to email her what I had written about her part to ensure accuracy and she said that would be fine.
I ended up writing out the quotes I was going to use and then sent them off to her for her review and she emailed me back the same afternoon with just a few minor changes in the quotes. So now, I feel confident in the quotes I captured and will submit. I realize that this won’t be possible every time but it worked out well for me this time around.
If any of you have telephone interview jitters, please leave a comment or share with me your tactics to combat your fears. I would love to hear them.
Monday, November 7, 2011
My Favourite Remembrance Day Memories
My favourite Remembrance Day memories go back to 2007-2008. I had a great experience working at the Manitoba Military Aviation Museum as their Manager of Volunteers and Community Relations. The museum is located on Canadian Forces Base 17 Wing Winnipeg which is North of Ness Avenue between Sharp Blvd and Whytewold Road. The museum is on the second floor for building 66. You can contact the museum by calling 833-2500 ext 4739 or visit themonline at http://www.manitobamilitaryaviationmuseum.com.
My job required that I recruit and train volunteers and managethe image of the museum to military and civilian communities. At first, it wasreally overwhelming because working in the military is like learning a new language. I didn’t have any military experience behind me what so ever so I was startingfrom scratch. I soon realized how far a smile and calling someone sir actuallywent.
The mission of the museum was to acquireand display artifacts which bring to life the contributions of Manitobans inmilitary aviation at home and abroad with an emphasis on showcasing thepersonal stories of Manitoba Military Airmen.
During the time I was there, the museum hosted a reference library of over 6,000 titles and was comprised ofprint and video resources. There was a resident Military Aviation Historianthat I worked with called Norman Malayney. His mission was to organize these 6,000 books and interview and video tape veterans so their stories wouldn’t beforgotten. Norman is a maven in aviation history. If you ever need informationin this area, he would be the person to talk to.
One of my goals I made for myselfwas to get John Sauder to come out onsite and broadcast the news from themuseum on Remembrance Day. I thought this would be a very effective way toraise the awareness of our museum in the community and at the same time, notbreak our bank account as we operated as a non-profit organization. I rememberI must have left at least 50 messages for Mr. Sauder over a four month period. I just wouldn’t give up.
I remember when he finally agreed to come out, it was amazing. He actually told me that my persistence was one of the main reasonsthat made this happen and he also believed in the cause. I remember that afterthe broadcast aired, we tracked museum visits and they increased by 50%. Needless to say my boss and volunteers were thrilled with the free publicity.
My job required that I recruit and train volunteers and managethe image of the museum to military and civilian communities. At first, it wasreally overwhelming because working in the military is like learning a new language. I didn’t have any military experience behind me what so ever so I was startingfrom scratch. I soon realized how far a smile and calling someone sir actuallywent.
The mission of the museum was to acquireand display artifacts which bring to life the contributions of Manitobans inmilitary aviation at home and abroad with an emphasis on showcasing thepersonal stories of Manitoba Military Airmen.
During the time I was there, the museum hosted a reference library of over 6,000 titles and was comprised ofprint and video resources. There was a resident Military Aviation Historianthat I worked with called Norman Malayney. His mission was to organize these 6,000 books and interview and video tape veterans so their stories wouldn’t beforgotten. Norman is a maven in aviation history. If you ever need informationin this area, he would be the person to talk to.
One of my goals I made for myselfwas to get John Sauder to come out onsite and broadcast the news from themuseum on Remembrance Day. I thought this would be a very effective way toraise the awareness of our museum in the community and at the same time, notbreak our bank account as we operated as a non-profit organization. I rememberI must have left at least 50 messages for Mr. Sauder over a four month period. I just wouldn’t give up.
I remember when he finally agreed to come out, it was amazing. He actually told me that my persistence was one of the main reasonsthat made this happen and he also believed in the cause. I remember that afterthe broadcast aired, we tracked museum visits and they increased by 50%. Needless to say my boss and volunteers were thrilled with the free publicity.
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