How can I make routine stories less routine?

Mary Ann Hogan
Chips Quinn Writing Coach

Dear Coach,

When I go to my editor with a story idea, she always says: We've done that story or covered that issue. She says she can't see doing the story again. In some cases, I agree with her. But if I go along with her objections, I'll never get to cover anything but town parades, council meetings and annual blood drives. What can I say to her? -- Been There, Done That

Dear Been There,

First thing: Print out in 20-point type this priceless observation from the great German writer Johann Wolfgang van Goethe, and tape it to your computer:

"The most original authors are not so because they advance what is new, but because they put what they have to say as if it had never been said before."

In your next town-parade or annual-blood-drive story, surprise your editor by showing that you can put the above into practice. That should start things moving in a fresh direction.

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