Bryan K Pruitt.net

FAQs:

After 25 years in California, why would you move to North Carolina?

It's a family thing; my elderly parents and a co-sibling are in the region. But for a writer, the rapidly growing Charlotte area is filled with a new vibrancy and the promise of exciting journalism. I am reminded that Samuel Clemens traveled Northern California extensively and still returned to the east to write his best prose. If the scribes of our time -- such as Shelby Foote, Thomas Wolfe and John Grisham -- can find inspiration among the beautiful green hills of the Carolinas, who am I to argue.

Why are you a journalist anyway?

Simply put, it's the most exciting gig I have ever held. A J-career is one of the few places where a single man can still make a difference; the proof resides in virtually every news cycle. Despite common belief, being a newspaper hack is more exciting than being a broadcast shrill. But put the two together, and the thrill is immeasurable!

At some point, I would like to share this excitement within the confines of a classroom to prospective hacks and creative writers. I have done so in the past at speaking engagements.

Why do you like long-form narrative?

Although it goes against what publishers are spawned to believe, long-form narrative writing pays. Yes, it may demand additional reporter hours. But most daily publications that make the leap of faith relate tales of suddenly inflated street sales during the prepared story's run and the associated increased subscriptions. And of readers crowding their front counters requesting back issues.

With that said, long-form narrative -- or investigative projects in general -- isn't always timed by a calendar. It doesn't always require a dedicated reporting "team." Some of the best projects have been completed only hours after springing from a single individual's muse.

Who are your favorite nonfiction writers?

Without a pause it would be Tom Hallman, at The Oregonian. When I first read his story about disabled door-to-door salesman Bill Porter several years ago, it brought tears to my eyes. A follow-up piece, "A Christmas Parable" likewise dampened my cheeks.

I have been fortunate enough to meet Tom on multiple occasions, and to hear his thoughts on the uses of narrative prose in community journalism. Although I felt like a rock groupie as I shook his hand, he's just a simple print newsie down to his mismatched socks. He drank the same beer newsies drink (tap, none of those expensive, imported brews). Hallman's work demonstrates what newspapers must begin doing daily: illuminating our communities in powerful ways (see my news philosophy statement).

My second favorite writer would be Thomas French, at the St. Petersburg Times. French has not only written many projects for his paper, but has wrestled some of his work into the book form -- a difficult, death defying feat to accomplish. Read French's works: "The saboteur and his son" and "Angels & Demons." The latter snatched the Pulitzer Prize in 1998. I read it one weekend -- the resulting sense of inadequacy nearly forced me out of writing and into selling shoes.  

What are your future plans?

A saying posted on a wall at The Poynter Institute in St. Petersburg, Florida, states "There are only two types of journalists: bad ones and those who are improving." I intend to improve until they pry my warm laptop from my cold hands. So I will file my application for master's study in either journalism or creative writing (MFA) at the infamous "school to be named later" in late 2008. 

I would also  like to teach. There is nothing more exciting than knowing something you penned made a difference; or something penned by someone you taught changed a life.

Currently I am toiling on a literary project. It is expected to be published in 2008.

There is much to be learned about people by what they keep on their desks.

What is on your desk?

My collection of antique typewriter ribbon tins, a small American flag, a bean-bag elephant, and a picture of my beloved wife, Nadine and our three children: black Pomeranians named Ewok, Keiki and Leilo.

One specimen from my collection of antique newspapers -- dates ranging between 1683 and 1866 -- is displayed somewhere on the wall. The exact issue changes with the character of the newsroom. Here are answers to common questions about antique newspapers.