Storytelling with Tom Hallman Jr. in Gainesville, Fla.
On June 14, SPJ held a Narrative Writing Workshop at the University of Florida. This was the twelfth workshop we’ve held since funding was approved in 2006. Thirty-four participants joined us for the day of training, which focused on reinvigorating the writing craft.
The Oregonian’s Tom Hallman, Jr. led the workshop. Topics including defining narrative writing, narrative reporting and applying techniques to daily reporting were covered. Three brave participants were at the mercy of the crowd as they shared their work and received feedback.
If you’ve ever met Tom, you know that despite all the awards, he’s just a regular guy…laid back, funny and not a bit pretentious. He’s the kind of guy you can have a Mac vs. PC talk about over cheap Mexican food at Tijuana Flats. I think his personality is what makes this program work. People seem to forget that a Pulitzer winner is in front of them and open up about their own struggles and successes.
At the end of the day, participants completed evaluation forms. Some feedback included:
“I found the materials easy to understand, and thus will be able to apply it more quickly. I appreciated that during the workshop, attendants also were invited to chime in on potential solutions. Tom’s open and unpretentious demeanor set attendants at ease and thus encouraged more discussion than I had expected before coming here.”
“The seminar reassured me of what makes me a good writer-something I hear from editors, co-workers and readers, but have a hard time identifying for myself.”
“I came to his workshop with many doubts about how to approach narrative writing & I am leaving with a tool box of skills and enthusiasm. Thank you for providing this course.”
SPJ’s Narrative Writing Workshops are funded through a grant from the Sigma Delta Chi Foundation. Visit our site to stay up to speed on dates and locations for the 2009 series of workshops.