Lesley Biswas, Freelance Journalist | India

Cassie Wagler: What led you to your career?

LB: As interesting as it might sound, the urge to write first dawned on me way back in 1991 when I was a teen-ager and a crazy fan of cricket. I was so taken up with the game that I wanted to contribute to it in some way. Since I couldn't play cricket at any local or state level, I began writing reviews about matches in my personal diary, but that was not enough. Even then I didn't think of becoming a professional writer but seeing my first quiz published in a national sports magazine gave me the idea.

Needless to say, most of my work in the beginning was related to cricket and teen-age issues, both close to my heart and what mattered in my life.

CW: What types of media do you use in your work?

LB: I have been fortunate to be able to contribute to both print and online publications. Both have been tremendously satisfying experiences and have their own importance in shaping my freelance career where I stand now. Print media, especially the newspaper, supplement where my work appeared and gave me a lot of mileage and I strongly believe that those bylines made the desired impression when I approached other print publications with my work.

CW: How has online journalism played a role in your career?

LB: This is definitely the age of online journalism and every journalist must be apt in this field. Online journalism is a huge market, especially for a newbie looking to gain experience and some writing clips. While editors of traditional print media look harder at experience, I have found online publications are more writer-friendly and are ready to give the new writer a chance. Having said that doesn't mean the quality of content is compromised, what it means is that you have many options and markets to approach with your work.

For me online journalism has transformed my career in many ways. First, it gave me the much needed exposure I was seeking and the opportunity to write for publications across the globe. Second, the payment for online articles is much better than what print media pay in India. And third, online journalism has given me the chance to read instant feedback about my work which is both encouraging and greatly satisfying.

CW: Have you experienced any gender bias(es) in your career?

LB: Fortunately for me I haven't experienced any kind of gender bias in my writing career. And the reason could be that I'm more into online journalism now.

CW: How has international experiences impacted your career?

LB: International experience has enriched my writing, adding many dimensions to my creativity. When I set out in the beginning, I was a bit apprehensive about my abilities and whether they would succeed with international editors. I had this misconception that the content they required was much more superior to what the Indian writing market demands. However, it's nothing what I expected and I can proudly say that some of my articles have been accepted without the need for rewriting.

Writing for international publications has also helped me diversify my work and from an article writer I have successfully dabbled with blogging, short stories and web content. It's a great experience as international publications are also proactive and respond very quickly.

CW: What do you think the differences are between journalism in the United States and India?

LB: The most striking difference I've observed between journalism in India and the United States is professionalism. While an editor in India doesn't deem it important to inform you about using your work or about any change in editorial policy, it's not so with the media in the U.S. Everything is transparent and there is no scope for doubt.

CW: It seems many of your articles cover social issues. Where did your interest in these issues stem from?

LB: As I mentioned in my first answer, I was drawn into writing by cricket and I never imagined that one day I would be writing about social issues like the ones I've done of late. My first experience with social issues was when I began blogging about the social issues that bothered me. I got tremendous response and the feedback I received on the Internet gave these issues a new perspective. To see so many people affected by such issues, whether they were government policies gone wrong or cultural stigmas that were still around, I got the conviction to write about them.

Now after I have worked on issues related to women, children and the environment, I'm glad I did so because they are so much more meaningful and satisfying than the lifestyle features for a glossy magazine. I feel I'm doing my bit in a small way, of course.

CW: Have you had any formal education in journalism?

LB: My parents never took my writing ambition seriously and sent me to do a course in International Airlines and Travel Management but I was persistent and side-by-side did a correspondence course in freelance writing from the British Institutes. Presently I'm completing a four-year course in creative writing from the Writers Bureau, Manchester.

CW: What is your motivation or inspiration for the articles you write?

LB: Now that you've put the question to me, I'm thinking. Issues that touch my life like the political problem our state faces, the environment crisis upon us, children's issues that my daughter goes through – all lead to writing ideas. And the work of successful freelance writers like those on the WIP and their experiences are immensely inspiring. They help me push harder and write better.

CW: Our class often discusses the difficulties in balancing both a career in journalism and a personal life in the United States. Do you face challenges balancing these things?

LB: Yes, if you're a mother you do have many challenges. But planning and scheduling are important.

I never take on more work than I can accomplish. The hours my 7-year-old daughter is in school go into cooking, cleaning and writing. Both my hubby and I sat down and drew up a schedule. I do most of my interviews in the first half of the day when our daughter is at school. If it's necessary, my hubby takes over the home when I attend meetings in the evening.

It's all related to managing time and being honest with yourself in accepting work and working professionally even from home.

CW: Do you take a different writing approach depending on whether your article will appear online or in print?

LB: Writing for the two media is very different and it's important to understand this before you send your work for consideration. While the print media give you more freedom to write longer pieces, online media require pithy, short pieces that catch the reader's attention instantly and hold it so that they are not tempted to click to another website. Paragraphs are shorter and content is to the point using words related to the topic though the piece. Depending on the online publication, you need to vary your content. More than often, submissions to online publications are through e-mail.

CW: Since beginning to write professionally, what changes have you seen in journalism?

LB: Since my writing career began, there hasn't been much change besides, of course, many conventional magazines have given up their print status for the web version. While there has been a tremendous boost to online journalism, the remuneration hasn't increased much.

CW: What advice do you have for students studying journalism now?

LB: I've come to realize one thing and that is we as writers are much bigger and influential than we can imagine. The words that we pen down or those that we type out have the capacity to change lives so as a responsible journalist, never compromise on the truth and always tell the story the way it is even if it's not the best way you would like it to be. Be sincere and professional and nothing will come between you and success.

CW: What is your favorite aspect of your work as a freelance writer?

LB: My favorite aspect of my work is the respect people give me and the way they look up to me. The responsibility my profession demands of me is to keep their faith alive. Journalism isn't only a career, it's everything rolled up in one. We are activist and spokespersons for those who don't have a voice and lack a platform to be heard. This is what makes me proud of my work and profession.

Interviewee: Lesley D. Biswas

Lesley D. Biswas has spent the past eleven years writing about sports, gardening, women and youth issues. She is currently based in Kolkata, India where she works as a freelance journalist and creative writer. Some of Biswas's work can be found in the following publications: Woman's Era, Reader's Digest, Funds for Writers, 4indianwoman, Kolkata Mirror and East Kolkata.

Biswas was born in McCluskiegunj, a small country town and the only Anglo-Indian settlement in India. Despite having little encouragement from family and a shortage of money, Biswas became the first journalist in her family. Since her town didn't have any English magazines, she subscribed to them in order to fulfill her desire to read. She began writing for a teenager magazine on cricket and teenage issues and later for The Sun, another bimonthly magazine which led her on to writing for woman's magazines.

The Internet has given Biswas the opportunity to explore blogging, content writing, and writing for newsletters apart from the feature articles and news stories that she does now. Journalism has given her professional success and has helped her to gain an individual identity which she enjoys as a writer who has been successful with many kinds of media. Journalism has also helped her family pay their bills which is as important to her as seeing her work published.

Interviewer: Cassie Wagler

Cassie Wagler, 24, grew up in rural Iowa and graduated from Mediapolis High School. Before attending The University of Iowa, Cassie spent time working with the AmeriCorps in the Gulf Coast following Hurricane Katrina, working in Yellowstone National Park, and backpacking in Costa Rica. When returning to Iowa for school, Cassie got involved with The University of Iowa Environmental Coalition, Local Food Connection, and the Student Garden. She is majoring in International Studies with an emphasis in Global Resources and the Environment and is studying Spanish. She spent this past winter break in India studying environmentally sustainable lifestyles in an eco-village. She is currently in her senior year, researching water scarcity and conservation in India for her thesis. She is employed by The University of Iowa Library because she loves to be surrounded by books and her interests include hiking, permaculture, creative visualization, live music, social issues, and traveling. Cassie chose to take Gender and Mass Media because she feels equality and fairness in the media is incredibly important considering the magnitude of influence the media has in the U.S. In the future, Cassie plans to restore prairies in Iowa, feed the world vegan cookies, and live simply.