My 1st story came quick in Neb Of course Car was in shop for half a day in Sioux Falls so not a lot of time to drive around! Been in Rapid City and went to Mt Rushmore. Reaction in City has been great but again no story. People have aasked me how I do my CARAVAN TO CATCH A KILLER torus. I thought I would post the process here.
Each time I go out I usually work 8-10 hours a day on getting the story out. I usually get 13-16 stories a CARAVAN.
The day before I get to a city (usually my last day at the previous city) I developed a pattern of going to TV station, newspaper and radio websites, reading about the reporters, producers, specific reporters/ media who report on things like our story or something in bio gives me a hook to use-- that is usually 3+ hrs of writing. Like on my drive to Rapid City, I stopped at every rest stop and a number of small towns. After I arrive in a city, if no one has contacted me, I usually send out more to Editors Anchors News Directors ,etc. In every city, even before I get a story, sometimes if or as part of story,I go to the Police station, sherrifs, State police, sometimes the chamber, victim advocates, I drive around the city and park in public places--at least 4-5 hrs exposure. I was all over Sioux Falls and even went to Mt Rushmore. I get great responses along the highway, in town, at these sites.
For two years having more than a year inbetween without Britty's story being out there, decreases the probability that it is heard by someone who knows something. I have been asking for help from facebook friends to at least send emails, fax to National news because if the CARAVAN dies all the years of getting her story out on my own will die also. I guess I am begging for help On the road, at hotels, even this time people say they have never seen something like my SUV before and they are surprised NAtional news has not picked it up. My CARAVANs get may 1/10000 of the people that national news does. AND if National even considers it, they will only do that if I am on the road. I will only be out for about 2 more weeks If you email me I can send you an email you can tweek. You can snail mail or fax. It won't cost you money, very little time. email me at therapoet@aol.com. Or you can post this to all your friends, get some of them. If not the email then even an onslaught of "why are you not doing a story on the CARAVAN" If not for me, then for Britty.
I week and 1 story. I am feeling a bit discouraged. I guess I am packing the car and heading to Fargo..I don't mind this solitary journey....when it is working...................................