Journalist Elaine McArdle Speaks at WHS

On Tuesday, October 21, 2008, prize-winning journalist Elaine McArdle came to Watertown High school to kick off the WHS Visiting Writer Series.  McArdle, an engaging presenter, spoke to students about the importance of following their passions and doing what they love.  She also shared her own path to becoming a freelance writer, a path that began over twenty years ago when, as a young, successful lawyer, she decided to follow her dream of writing professionally. 

"My friends thought I was crazy," McArdle shared, explaining that many of her colleagues and relatives urged her not to give up her lucrative law career.  In addition to sharing anecdotes about her articles, she also emphasized the importance of ethical journalism.

While some unscrupulous writers start asking questions without telling people they are working on a story, McArdle informed her audience of students and teachers, "I always identify myself as a journalist."  As a result of the relationships she has cultivated during her career in journalism, McArdle has developed a network of people she can go to for information. 

After conducting two one-hour discussions in the Lecture Hall, McArdle joined Ms. Ventura's class to talk about how pictures and other visual media influence the meaning of her articles 

McArdle has written articles for numerous publications, including The Boston Globe, The Boston Globe Magazine, Boston Magazine and the Harvard Law Review.  She also teachers writer's workshops to adults and teenagers at Grub Street, Inc., Boston's Independent Writing Center.  In September, the Free Press published McArdle's recently co-authored book, The Migraine Brain:  Your Breakthrough Guide to Fewer Headaches, Better Health.

We are grateful to Ms. McArdle for coming to WHS to speak to us about her writing experience.

Stay tuned for the next writer in the WHS Visiting Writer Series!

Visit the website of journalist Elaine McArdle