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Interview with Dr. Michael Ray Smith

Hello, dear Musers Who Matter,

Today's interview is with a very special writer and writing teacher, Dr. Michael Ray Smith. A few years back, I served with Dr. Smith on the faculty of both the Mid-Atlantic Christian Writers' Conference and the Montrose Christian Writers' Conference. Michael is an expert in journalism and currently teaches at Campbell University. I know you will be blessed by his interview.

MaryAnn:
Hi, Michael! Welcome to Musings That Matter! It's a pleasure to have you with us today. Let's start off by asking you to tell us a little bit about yourself.

Michael:
In 1988 I began teaching at a state school in the South. Since then, I've taught journalism at a private college in Pennsylvania, directed a journalism program at a liberal-arts college in Indiana, and served as chair of a graduate journalism program in Virginia. I started at Campbell in 2003.

As a journalist, I spent a decade in newsrooms as a reporter and editor and penned more than 3,000 articles for publications such as The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, The Baltimore Sun and The Philadelphia Inquirer. In 2001-2002, my students recognized me as "Favorite Professor of the Year" for the college. My work in professional organizations such as Association for Education in Journalism and Mass Communication resulted in the establishment of an interest group. I am a member of Who's Who Among American Teachers and Who's Who in Communication.

MaryAnn:
Michael, when did you first discern God's call on your life to write?

Michael:
When I realized that C.S. Lewis made a greater contribution to the faith in the 20th century, I decided that writing has power.

MaryAnn:
How did you get started in journalism? Were you encouraged by a teacher? A mentor?

Michael:
Like a lot of writers, I took the back door. I studied English following a couple of B’s in biology. I wanted to go to Medical School, but in the 1970s, the mantra was that “straight A’s” was the ticket into med school. I finished an English degree at the University of Maryland and realized with a shock that no one wanted to hire an English major; they were looking for writers. I took a job writing letters for Blue Cross/Blue Shield and landed my first newspaper job within a few months.

MaryAnn:
Michael, you've earned quite a reputation as an outstanding professor who encourages students to achieve publication before graduation. Would you share with us some of the ways you coach your students to build a writing portfolio before they leave the campus?

Michael:
I’m a cheerleader. I give every student a good word and then give them some space. Those who want to be published let me know fairly early. I spend time with them, make calls on their behalf, send them e-mails from various web sites on writing and, in general, urge them on with the kind of excitement that all writers long to receive. It works. By the time the student graduates, she will have a number of articles including online pieces to show a prospective employer.

MaryAnn:
You spent several years gathering information for your book, FeatureWriting.Net. What inspired this book? Tell us about its contents and how the topics you cover can help writers of every level.

Michael:
I worked for a Gannett newspaper, the company which owns USA TODAY. They gave me the idea to start a file on feature story ideas. Every time I encountered a timeless feature story, for instance, unusual weddings, I’d make an entry. From there, I developed a formula for writers called S-H-O-P.

The book instructs new writers to select the best angle, Select, and provide History, or the necessary background to make the piece make sense. The next step is to include lots of detail, Observation. Make the reader feel as if she is there. Finally, I instruct the writers to provide a comparison, Perspective. For example, if you are writing about a new restaurant, provide some information about the older, competing restaurant.

MaryAnn:
What a great acronym to keep in mind as we write articles! In your book, you talk about "gonzo reporting". Would you elaborate on this and share some of your most interesting experiences?

Michael:
The outlaw-writer Hunter S. Thompson may be best known for this technique. All it means is that the writer spends time with his source and participates when possible. For instance, I rode with some motorcyclists at a ministry event. The ride gave me a different feel for the participants. I hope that feeling made its way into the article.

MaryAnn:
Michael, you encourage the use of photographs to accompany an article. Please talk a little about photography as an enhancement to article-writing.

Michael:
The legendary Norm Rohrer of the old Christian Writer’s Guild used to say that we can double our money by taking a good photograph to go with the article. I agree. A digital camera makes getting a close head shot quite easy. Editors will be very grateful.

MaryAnn:
How has your faith impacted your writing?

Michael:
It leaks out in all I do. A believer can’t help but be who she is or he is. That idea doesn’t mean that we include the Four Spiritual Laws in all we write. It means we are the message. The message will come through in our work. If we are kind, it will show. If we are trustworthy, that shows, too.

MaryAnn:
Given the secular media's resistance to the Christian worldview, how would you advise non-fiction writers who want to break into secular newspapers and magazines?

Michael:
Work for free. Do a great job. Be on time. Be teachable. Be cooperative. Soon an editor will see that you are the “go-to” person, and she will offer you a job or make suggestions for paying venues.

MaryAnn:
Do you have any more book projects in the works?

Michael:
I am working with another writer on a book called Seasons. In addition, I am working on a non-fiction piece about religion and the press. I’m also developing a novel on what I’m calling a “Rehab center for Christians.” It is supposed to be a light-hearted look at burnt-out Christians who need a little time out.

MaryAnn:
Sounds like something many writers could use. :-) Any parting words of advice to aspiring non-fiction writers? To seasoned veterans?

Michael:
Set a goal. Say to yourself: "I will write one article by the 15th of every month," and then do it. You need to query editors and make friends. Take one to lunch, if you can. Study the periodical for which you write, and then begin your mission to earn a byline and a paycheck!

MaryAnn:
Michael, thank you so much for being with us today and for all the great information. I encourage all of our Musers to visit Michael's website at www.featurewriting.net and to purchase his outstanding book. You may also contact Michael at (910) 893-1528.
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Copyright 2006. All rights reserved.

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