Anybody's Byline
Kiss writer's block goodbye
Welcome!
Every journalist, no matter how seasoned, has faced that moment of blank-page panic, when it just feels like there simply aren't any stories left to be written.
Anybody's Byline was created to help alleviate that stress. Sign up for our free e-mail newsletter, and you'll immediately be in on the action. Each week, you'll receive a list of story ideas that can be localized anywhere. Think of it like exchanging recipes at the kitchen table. We'll pass along the secret to Grandma's famous pot roast, you'll all add your own special spices, and everyone will get slightly different (but delicious!) results.
Try it out. It's easy, and it's free. What have you got to lose (besides that pesky writer's block)?
Anybody's Byline was created to help alleviate that stress. Sign up for our free e-mail newsletter, and you'll immediately be in on the action. Each week, you'll receive a list of story ideas that can be localized anywhere. Think of it like exchanging recipes at the kitchen table. We'll pass along the secret to Grandma's famous pot roast, you'll all add your own special spices, and everyone will get slightly different (but delicious!) results.
Try it out. It's easy, and it's free. What have you got to lose (besides that pesky writer's block)?
The Write Stuff
But wait! There's more! With each set of story leads, we'll also include "The Write Stuff." It's a gee-whiz kind of section aimed at making you a better journalist. And we'll take suggestions here, too. These can be just about anything -- a little-known AP style rule, reminder about libel law or just a JOU joke to keep you sane(r).
Where it all began
It was a typical morning in the newsroom when I was stricken by the same thought we have all shared: WHAT on earth am I going to write for tomorrow?
But never fear, I told myself. The Internet has the answer to everything, right? So why, when this writer's-blocked journalist searched for "newspaper story ideas" did I come up empty? Almost as immediately as I grumbled someone ought to do something about this, the hamster wheels started turning.I reasoned if you found a way to connect journalists from across the globe, you'd dive into a practically bottomless pool of ideas.
It wasn't until October 2009 I pitched the idea to my best friend over a friendly plate of sushi, and she gave it three cheers. And so on Dec. 1 that year, Anybody's Byline was launched.
I created this site because I need it, and if I need it, I figure the rest of you do, too. And just think, the next time an editor pats you on the back and says, "Where'd you get that idea?" you can reply, "It just came to me." Wait until said editor walks away before adding "in my inbox!"
But never fear, I told myself. The Internet has the answer to everything, right? So why, when this writer's-blocked journalist searched for "newspaper story ideas" did I come up empty? Almost as immediately as I grumbled someone ought to do something about this, the hamster wheels started turning.I reasoned if you found a way to connect journalists from across the globe, you'd dive into a practically bottomless pool of ideas.
It wasn't until October 2009 I pitched the idea to my best friend over a friendly plate of sushi, and she gave it three cheers. And so on Dec. 1 that year, Anybody's Byline was launched.
I created this site because I need it, and if I need it, I figure the rest of you do, too. And just think, the next time an editor pats you on the back and says, "Where'd you get that idea?" you can reply, "It just came to me." Wait until said editor walks away before adding "in my inbox!"
Share your success!
Have a success story? Let us know! We'd love to hear how AB yielded a great story or just made your work day a little less stressful. E-mail us at editor@anybodysbyline.com