This past week, a story I wrote for TROY Today, Troy University’s blog and magazine, got a bit of attention from my professors and past teachers. 

Two weeks before this, my supervisor approached me with a story to interview TROY alumnus Josh McInnish, a visually impaired pianist who now performs at the Titanic Museum Attraction.

We had been learning about feature writing in my reporting class, and I knew this was the perfect opportunity to try out a new style. We had read multiple Pulitzer prize-winning feature stories, and I couldn’t stop thinking about how I wanted to draw the readers in.

I poured my soul into the story for hours, and when the time came to turn it in, I warned my boss that it was my first time approaching a different style, and was nervous to know what he’d think about it.

As soon as the article was published, it got tons of positive feedback, and my supervisor and professors assured me that it was a beautifully written story. Friends and family shared it online and congratulated me on a job well done.

It’s now my favorite story I’ve ever written.

I think the most important step in trying out a new style of writing is to remember that it’s not about you.

Before writing the story on Josh, I was so focused on what people would think of the writing style, rather than focusing on telling Josh’s story. 

I had to remember why I chose to tell the story in a “narrative” way. It was the best method to amplify how extraordinary he is.

Josh is what made the story incredible; the style of writing only shed light on why.

I know it can be scary to try new things, especially if you’re not used to stepping out of your comfort zone (like me).

I had a small talk with one of my professors and mentioned that my confidence in my writing was a flat 0 out of 10. I know it’s something I’m good at, but that doesn’t stop me from questioning if it’s something people will be pleased with, or if I’m getting too ahead of myself.

Josh’s story and how I was so nervous (without reason) for my supervisor’s reaction is the perfect example of that.

But without trying out that new style of writing, I don’t think Josh’s story would’ve been told in the best way possible, as it deserved.

Never be afraid to try new things!