How to Become a Gonzo Journalist
Gonzo journalism has a mixed reputation within literary circles. Many people do not really consider it a type of journalism at all, since the writer offers neither an objectivity nor purely factual account of events. However, this medium does allow for the creation of colorful and oftentimes creative literary experimentation to occur. The following steps are meant to give anyone interested in becoming a Gonzo journalist a reference point from which to start his exploration in this field.
- Difficulty:
- Moderate
Instructions
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1
Define Gonzo journalism. Gonzo journalism is a type of journalism in which the writer is not only the agent of delivery but also a protagonist of a piece. Often this type of writing is written in first person, the narrator being an essential part of the story. The writer's personal feelings and experiences are often a central element in the telling of the story, and therefore make this type of reporting subjective rather than objective.
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2
Read classic examples of Gonzo journalism. Many argue that Hunter S. Thompson is not only the inventor of Gonzo journalism, but also the only true practitioner of this type of writing. "Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas" is a classic example of this genre (it was also made into a movie starring Johnny Depp as Hunter S. Thompson). See Resources below for a link to purchase the book.
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3
Learn about the characteristics of Gonzo journalism. Gonzo Journalism tends to frown on an edited, polished outcome. While Gonzo journalism is often subjective, it also generally has pieces of fiction mixed in with truth, is satirical, colorful and, in the case of Hunter S. Thompson, excessive, outlandish, emotional and gritty.
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4
Keep a journal. Since Gonzo journalism tends to favor the raw moment and one's personal experience of these moments over anything scripted or prepared, an essential step in becoming a Gonzo journalist is to keep a journal available at all times. Whether it be a written journal, a photo journal, a video or audio journal, or a combination, the practice of documenting events as they happen (or as you remember them) is essential.
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5
Practice. As with anything, "practice makes perfect".
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Tips & Warnings
Realize that in many ways, this type of journalism is a lifestyle. It is a type of documentation that requires the writer to literally live what she is reporting.
