Akronite: Details grab the reader's attention

 Indiana University journalism senior Jessica Contrera of Akron, who has captured national attention for the story in last week’s student newspaper about the closing of a Waffle House in Bloomington, Indiana, said that it’s the details that grab the reader’s attention.



Jessica Contrera

She interviewed and wrote about Bud Powell, the owner, steadied by his aluminum cane, and how he greeted customers for 48 years. But not after Sept. 4.

Under the guidance of Pulitzer-prize winner and Poynter writing fellow Tom French, Contrera wrote 15 drafts in her quest for details.

Last summer’s Pittsburgh Post-Gazette intern wrote about customer Rose Thomas, who only felt safe going to church or the Waffle House since her husband of 65 years Stan died.

Contrera knows about familiar places closing. She will  graduate at the end of next semester, just before the journalism school merges with other departments into the New Media School.

Her Akron parents are Margaret and Ken Contrera.

To read the entire article, click on http://www.poynter.org/latest-news/top-stories/227475/details-are-what-make-people-connect-with-stories-says-student-who-wrote-about-waffle-house-closing/