By Mike Wilson, Senior Executive Editor for Farm Progress
Want to know how to become the next Writer of the Year or Story of the Year recipient? We asked this year’s winner, Mike Wilson of Farm Progress, what his writing secrets are, how he won the awards this year, and what impact it has on his career.
1. How do you become the Writer of the Year?
Any writer will tell you, myself included, there’s a lot of luck involved in winning. If your work connects with a judge, then you are doing something right (hopefully, it also connects with your audience, too.) There are tons of great writers in our profession who have rightfully earned this designation over the years. I’ve admired them and enjoyed reading their winning entries. I try to make sure my entries have truthful narratives that tell a story. I’m trying to engage the reader with a sense of urgency because we all know people have other things to do with their time. Don’t ever take the reader’s time for granted.
2. You also won Story of the Year, what was that process like? How does it feel to be recognized for a story you wrote?
In many ways, it’s about finding a great story. If you find a great story, it’s your responsibility to tell it well. Every story comes together in a different way, this one included. For example, during an interview with a farmer in Ohio, we started talking about other farmers he admired; he suggested that I talk with Mandy Bryant in Kentucky because she has an interesting story.’ A year later, I looked her up and visited with her and her team, which led to this article. I wanted to focus on why this operation was successful using a different management formula than traditional farms. It was a great story, and I just wrote it the best way I knew how.
3. How do these awards help your professional career and ACN career?
You hope that your career will be just fine with or without an award recognition. A career is about learning, doing good work, collaborating with your team, and satisfaction in providing great customer service. To me, right now, it’s about helping others achieve recognition for their great work. If I can pass along a few bits of advice that would be very satisfying as I am fortunate to work with very talented writers.
4. What tips or tricks do you have for ACN members who want to receive this award as well?
It’s all about listening. Pay attention at farm meetings or other conversations. Listen for an idea that you believe will help your audience. Follow those leads. Listen to the people you interview. Flag quotes that may become your lead. Track down the second, third or fourth source that will help you tell the story. Ask other experts if you need deeper context on the topic. Use the active voice. Use a surgeon’s knife to cut needless words, especially in the lead. Open up Strunk and White’s ‘The Elements of Style’ if you need inspiration. If you get stuck, put your story down and go back to it tomorrow with fresh eyes.
5. Why do you enjoy being a member of ACN?
Professional development. You can learn a lot from other members or from Ag Media Summit sessions. I’ve been at this for decades, and I’m still learning. I enjoy networking and swapping stories with old friends I’ve made through ACN. I also enjoy meeting young people who are coming into our profession. They are the future, and we should encourage all to make their mark and get involved in our organization.