Pulitzer Finalist Thoughts
Thoughts about being named a Pulitzer finalist: What a thrill! And what great recognition for narrative writing in small- and medium-sized papers! The Post and Courier put together “One Brain at a Time” during a period of intense financial pressure. The publisher, Bill Hawkins, could have said, “What are you crazy? You want to go to Africa?” In fact, it was Hawkins who first suggested I look into this doctor’s work. The paper then gave me the time and expense account to do a story that allows readers to experience a compelling story about an important issue that affects billions of people – the shortage of skilled doctors in low-income countries. I’m deeply grateful for the Pulitzer judges’ recognition of our work.