A subject of interest
When writers are working a story, they can sense how the job will go by the enthusiasm of their sources.
In this issue we look at how Fresno Pacific University combines knowledge and faith to make a complete education. How is that done? Is it different now than in the past? Why? What does it mean to our students, churches and society?
I came up with about a dozen faculty I knew would both speak well on this subject and represent the university's variety of disciplines. The sample is far from scientific; writing is an art, and many others could have filled the bill.
Usually if I ask a dozen, six or eight are able to meet with me in the always limited time allotted for an article. And I planned to start hearing from them in 24 hours—after all, they're busy, and I appreciate their efforts to fit me into their schedules.
The responses started coming within minutes: When can we meet? Where? My schedule is open. This is an important subject. Glad you're doing this article.
How wonderfully different from my life as a newspaper reporter in the last century. There were days when if I didn't call people every hour on the hour, or chase them down in their offices, favorite coffee shops, homes or, once, in a courtroom, I wouldn't get anything done. I knew—at least hoped—they weren't hiding from me personally, they just didn't want to talk about what I wanted to write about.
Obviously, FPU faculty are cut from different cloth. The importance of faith and knowledge is something they always want to talk about.
And that says a lot, even before I open my notebook.