what’s in an apostrophe i say? i mean does it really matter at the end of the day if it is its or it’s? It really is an indelible itch to fix these apostrophes, coz they simply seem like such a small big thing! they change the meaning from personable to impersonable, and it seems like the error is glaring at you when you read it – doesn’t everyone notice it?

at that stage you really wonder at what stage you stop being a writer (allowed to make such incongruous mistakes) and become an editor (shrivelling up with the anxiety of a missing ‘strophe). and does being a better editor make you an equally better writer? OR doesn’t being a better writer, make you a better editor?

Unfortunately, I believe none of the above have anything to do with the other. An editor is probably waiting for a story to tell – and after having read so much crap stuff and good stuff by others, is simply too jaded and self-critical to actually write… and a writer is simply so ponderously self-obssessed with a story or the finer nuances, that the judicious clarity to edit – to step away from the work, and actually see it as it is, is quite matter-of-factly, lost. I mean, of course that it s a huge generalisation but that is how it seems to fit just right. Writers write and editors edit. Writers suffer editor’s block and editors suffer writer’s block.

They say a book or film is as good as its editor. An editor works quietly (or not so quietly – I suppose they must be given to temperamental fits) behind the scenes to make the final product what it is – to make it or break it. I guess that’s why so many writers thank their editors in the acknowledgements, and so many directors simply forget to thank their editors in their trophy acceptance speeches! Since there are awards for ‘best editing’ in movies – why isn’t there an award for best book editor? Not that I want one of course, I’m waiting to write that book.

what does it take to successfully meet someone and in the space of a few minutes, understand where they are coming from and what makes them tick? who is to stop them from lying through their teeth? i think it is setting up a comfort level – also making them believe that you are a a non-threatening person to deal with. every time i have to do it, i always wonder what it is that makes someone willing to bare information about themselves and their life without giving it a second thought! When I had to switch sides and go to the other side of the table, I suddenly realised, it is just being yourself and if you speak from the heart, it is really tough to get it wrong. very importantly, you should be interviewing a person you are genuinely interested in knowing more about – otherwise it is a superficial q&a.

and it will always, always show when your interview lacks soul and depth. and the voice of the interviewer – how strong can it be? after all, you filter everything through your own consciousness and perceptions – how accurate are they? At the end of the day, reporting accurately is a misnomer – how can you report what is level one of chinese whispers? the correct interpretation of the question -> the correct interpretation of the answer -> the correct translation into words -> the judicious editing -> the correct interpretation by the reader. After so many filters, if the article still reads accurate, then it is actually a job well done.

if you overpower the interviewee and puts words in his/ her mouth, you are no better than a basic tabloid writer. when do you transition from journalist to writer? from empathy to wit and a modicum of charm, you are cajoling the best possible answers for the meatiest story. and twisted with veracity and smart writing. wow – who ever said it’s easy? and it doesn’t help when you are informed by the interviewee that ‘hey – its completely up to the interviewer to make it work, to create a great dialogue… no pressure, of course!’