MAY 2012

By Matt Stevens 

Almost 100 AAJA-LA members and journalists from across Los Angeles got a treat in May listening to the LA Times’ Steve Padilla talk self-editing, storytelling and all things writing.

LA Times Asst. National Editor Steve Padilla at KPCCs Crawford Family Forum.

Attendees who came out to KPCC’s Crawford Family Forum left with tips like skip to the middle of a scene, end a story in your own words, and try splitting your anecdote. To demonstrate the clarity of a well-told story in another form, Padilla even sang to the crowd.

The talk had something for everyone, from students to experienced professionals. Padilla, an Assistant National Editor at The Times who lectures frequently on writing, used tips gleaned from TV to Shakespeare for his presentation. He graciously answered questions from attendees afterward.

Members got pizza and drinks while they listened, and a few lucky winners received LA Times mugs before the night was over.

AAJA-LA Board members offered a brief update on chapter activities, and Vice President of Print Henry Fuhrmann introduced Padilla.