My process

Once all of my information is assembled into coherent Word documents and sheets of notebook paper, I sit down with a cup of hot tea and a glass of water. Background music is a must - something instrumental and not too upbeat, like Sigur Ros, to flow while I do.

Before I begin writing anything I survey my interview notes to find a common thread with which to weave a story. Whatever I find will go into the lead, of course.

I open a fresh Word document and type out possible leads that would have been swimming in my mind for a few days. Before settling on one, I look at all of my quotes and choose a strong statement with which to end the article. With those edge pieces in place I focus on the middle, rotating quotes to fit them into the puzzle. My transitions are the mortar to fill gaps in the flow of ideas.

I prefer to have all of my information in electronic form so that I can toggle between drafts and transcribed interviews. Paper is fine, but then spend time moving my eyes from page to page. On the computer screen my eyes can stay in the same place and the information moves.

I have to take some time in between drafts. I spent two hours at Ping between the preliminary and final drafts of this last article, which seemed to be perfect. With a fresh pair of eyes and my AP Stylebook I attack the prose with renewed inquisition. What will the reader feel as they read? Are there questions left unanswered? This was especially important with my last article because Sikhism is not well-known so there was a lot of outside information required.

Editing is a long, tedious practice that has no definite beginning or end. I begin editing as I'm writing my initial lead ideas. Sometimes I'll print my final copy just as I realize a change I'd like to make. I read over what I wrote a zillion times in between.

Whomever I encounter after finishing my final draft - usually at least three people - is forced to proofread. No excuses. Be honest. Be critical. Thank you, but really, give me something I can work with here.