Ok, so maybe that’s not all you need for a good news story.  In fact, that’s kind of a far cry from all you need and Kershner makes that extremely clear.  His fifteen easy steps (although I’ve never thought of the number fifteen in relation to easy steps) map out exactly what a reporter should do to get their stories.

Some of this chapter was review for me.  I did enjoy Kershner’s story about reading his story in the bathroom.  I had a great mental image of an editor walking into the women’s bathroom and saying, “What the hell are you doing, Kiley?” in replacement of Kershner as I feel like I’d do the same thing.  I didn’t even let my parents read my writing until I was into college.

Regardless of nerves or anything else like that, Kershner’s tips were well explained and easy to follow.  It can be intimidating to track down the interviews, but someone has to do it.  Sure, you might become bitter and angry when people don’t get back to you.  You might even begin to question why you bother.  You have no help, your interviews don’t seem to care, and as this all hits you, you sink into a spiraling downward pool of “why am I doing this?”

…Not that I speak from personal experience.

Ahem.  Nothing to see here, folks.  Moving on.

Honestly, if anything, Kershner’s book is solidifying that this is what I want to do.  Thank you, good sir.