Tips for writing on deadline

DAVID O'BRIEN

• Relax, even if that seems nearly impossible. Slow everything down in your head and try to retain some sense of calm.
  
• Stay on top of things as they're happening, so you don't have to ask questions or check facts with someone else on deadline. By making accurate notes on even the smallest developments, it will be easier to avoid panic later, when you can least afford it.
  
• Have background material and notes up on a screen behind what you're writing.
  
• If necessary, have a second story going in case the anticipated outcome reverses at the last moment, and make sure the running/background material will stand regardless of outcome. This is a safety net to fill the space, by having more than enough running in a game story, or more than enough background in something like a commission meeting or election story.
  
• Don't over-write those first few graphs simply because you feel this story has a sense of heightened importance. Overwriting burns valuable minutes and turns off readers.
  
• If you're sending from a remote location, be sure you have a phone line available and that it works.
  
• Make absolutely sure you're clear with the desk on the drop-dead deadline, and don't miss it.

KATHY BRISTER

• Get cell and home phone numbers for EVERYONE. That said, use them sparingly. Respect sources' private lives when possible, so they'll talk when you need them.
  
• Make sure key sources have your cell phone number. Getting a heads-up call while you are out of the office buys time. Besides, sources appreciate your being as accessible to them as they are to you.
  
• Expect to be surprised. Keep a haunt file of regularly updated quotes, research and color that can give second-day perspective to a breaking news story.

MIKE WILLIAMS
General Advice:

• Send clean, error-and typo-free copy. Leave time to proofread and check spellings.
  
• On a deadline screamer, go back to basics: who, what, when, where, how and why.
  
• Use short, descriptive sentences.
  
• One idea per sentence, even one idea per paragraph.
  

Ledes:

• Keep it simple and short.
  
• Describe the drama, the event, and/or why it is important.
  
• Don't get stuck. If it doesn't come, hammer out an AP-just-the-facts version and move on. Come back if time permits.
  
• First-day lede: a big event happened and here it is, along with what's next.
  
• Second-day lede: latest development or next big step in that big story you already know about.
  
• Third-day and beyond: same as second-day or roundup and perspective. Here's where you use storyteller ledes.
  

Body:

• Build it logically, answering the questions you'd want to know if you were the reader.
  
• Boil it down, keep it simple, and don't get lost in detail readers don't care about.
  
• Reread as you write, aloud if that helps.
  
• Leave five minutes or more for actually filing the story.