Ask the Author: Heather Hansman
Answered Questions (5)
Heather Hansman
This is such a good question! I DID go to journalism school, but I definitely don't think it's necessary. The benefit, for me, was taking a year to really focus on getting clips, and working with editors, and building my skills as a writer and reporter (and learning the rules of things like fact checking), but I don't think school is the only way to do that. I'd seek out internships, or opportunities for working at smaller local publications, where you can write a lot, and get a lot of feedback, and try as many things as possible. If you're thinking about J school, I'd even think about doing that ahead of time, to get a feel for things.
Heather Hansman
My next book, which is about ski bums and mountain towns and how that culture is changing.
Heather Hansman
Read a ton. Figure out what you like and why you like it. Look at how other writers use words.
Heather Hansman
Getting free range to ask people about their lives
Heather Hansman
I set a timer and make myself write for an hour(or however long) away from my phone with the internet off. And I tell myself to just start writing. Doesn't matter if it's good.
About Goodreads Q&A
Ask and answer questions about books!
You can pose questions to the Goodreads community with Reader Q&A, or ask your favorite author a question with Ask the Author.
See Featured Authors Answering Questions
Learn more