Adrian Hinchcliffe

In conversation with Adrian Hinchcliffe (Group Editor: ITWeb)

 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adrian-hinchcliffe/

 

Websites: 

• https://www.itweb.co.za

• https://brainstorm.itweb.co.za

• https://www.youtube.com/@ITWEBvideo

 

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The main points from our conversation:

 

• Find Your Own Voice & Passion: Writing isn’t about using complex language—it’s about telling a compelling story. Develop your unique voice and ensure your writing is engaging, not just technically accurate.

 

• Plan Your Structure Before Writing: Before starting an article, outline the key points you want to cover. Whether it’s news writing (fact-based and concise) or feature writing (storytelling and analytical), structuring your content improves clarity and impact.

 

• Overcome Writer’s Block & Perfectionism: The blank page can be intimidating. One method to break through is to "vomit words onto paper" (first drafts should be messy) and refine later. Tools like voice transcription or changing font colours to avoid over-editing can help.

 

• Know Your Audience & Publication: Before pitching an article, research the publication's audience, writing style, and content preferences. Whether approaching an editor or a journalist, showing awareness of their readership increases your chances of acceptance.

 

• Write Concisely & Edit Ruthlessly: Attention spans are short. Publications often have strict word limits (e.g., 600 words for a short article, 2000 for a feature). Be prepared to edit down your work, focusing only on the most impactful points.

 

About our conversation:

 

The Africa Tech Authors & Speakers Forum recently hosted Adrian Hinchcliffe, Group Editor at ITWeb, for a conversation about how aspiring writers can break into the industry. Hinchcliffe shared valuable insights on the craft of writing, the challenges of getting published, and practical advice for young professionals looking to establish themselves in the tech media space. Here are some key takeaways from the discussion.

 

Finding Your Voice and Passion

One of the most crucial elements of good writing is developing a distinct voice. Many aspiring writers focus on perfect grammar and sophisticated language, but that alone does not make for compelling content. According to Hinchcliffe, the best writers are those who bring passion and authenticity to their work. If you are enthusiastic about technology and have insights to share, your writing will naturally resonate with readers.

 

Planning and Structuring Your Work

Whether writing a short news article or an in-depth feature, having a clear structure is essential. News articles are typically factual and concise, ensuring the five Ws (Who, What, Where, When, and Why) are addressed upfront. Feature articles, on the other hand, allow for a more narrative-driven approach, where storytelling plays a bigger role. Hinchcliffe advises writers to outline their key points before starting, which helps create a logical flow and improves readability.

 

Overcoming Writer’s Block and Perfectionism

The fear of the blank page is something even experienced writers struggle with. One effective way to combat this is to get words down without worrying about perfection. Some writers use voice transcription to quickly capture thoughts, while others change their font colour to white so they are not distracted by early mistakes. The key is to start writing—editing and refining can always come later.

 

Understanding Your Audience and the Publication

Before submitting an article to a publication, it is crucial to understand its audience and editorial style. Hinchcliffe highlights that ITWeb and Brainstorm magazine cater to business and tech professionals, meaning the writing must be insightful, well-researched, and engaging. Writers should avoid unnecessary jargon and strive for clarity, ensuring their work appeals to both industry veterans and newcomers.

 

Writing Concisely and Editing Ruthlessly

With shrinking attention spans, concise writing is more important than ever. Many publications have strict word limits—600 words for a standard article, and up to 2,000 for an in-depth feature. This means writers must be ruthless in editing, cutting unnecessary words and ensuring every sentence adds value. Taking a break before reviewing your work with fresh eyes can help identify areas for improvement.

 

Breaking into the Industry

For those looking to contribute to a publication like ITWeb, Hinchcliffe recommends reaching out to editors and journalists via LinkedIn or email. He emphasises the importance of a well-crafted pitch that demonstrates an understanding of the publication’s style and audience. With the right approach, aspiring writers can find opportunities to share their insights and build a name in the industry.

 

By following these principles, young African tech writers can develop their skills, gain confidence, and contribute to shaping the continent’s technology narrative.