It ‘s crucial to check your notes as soon as posible after any interview.Dont leave it so long that you forget what most of your cribbles mean.Try to write the piece as soon as possible after any interview so that the impression in your mind will be fresh.These can jut in capturing the spirit of a person as what they said.
Don’t leave it so long to write the piece that you loose interest and enthusiasm for the subject.The sooner you write the article or story the sharper and livelier it will be.
If you ‘ve taped the interview dont feel you have to transcribe every word-play through the tape a few times and pick out the relevant sections you know you will actually use in the final article.
Once you have read through your notes you will begin to get a feel for the material.Jot down a few rough headings and move them around until you see a logical sequence start to emerge.You may find the order in which you ultimstely presents the facts and quotes is totally diferent from the order in which you asked te questions during the said interview.When you have a rough skeleton worked out it is time to start writing.
At this point you are faced with a choice-do you go for a straight question -answer format or integrated articles-and-, using selected quotes plus your own impressions and observations.
In conclusion ,dont throw away your notespads or tapes.You must keep them secure as libel action may be brought up to a year or two or even more than that after you might have published the interview.Your defence will rely on the evidence of the said interview.
