An Afternoon With Lee Cataluna

Lee Cataluna knows that the written word is a powerful thing—and she wants to make sure UHMC journalism students aren't afraid to use it.

The noted local author of the book Folks You Meet in Longs and Other Stories, newspaper columnist and television news anchor and reporter, Cataluna spoke with Sarah Ruppenthal's Journalism 205 class last month. 

Her presentation focused on lessons learned during her decades-long career as a freelance journalist, newspaper columnist and television reporter.

"Provoking a reaction means you've succeeded as a journalist," said Cataluna. "That means you've done your job well."

As a columnist for the Honolulu Advertiser (now the Honolulu Star-Advertiser), Cataluna was known for her provocative writing, and she is proud of the occasionally incendiary nature of her columns. She wanted the students to know that they shouldn't be afraid to stir human emotion with their writing. 

Despite a reputation as a sharp-tongued agitator, however, Cataluna was also sure to stress the fundamental rules of the craft, proffering advice on several topics, such as how to create an emotionally charged piece that retains a neutral perspective, and how to conduct an interview. 

It's also good to have a thick skin, she said, noting that "professional detachment from your work is a good thing," and that it's better to ignore what your writing makes people think of you.

Her visit wasn't merely academic, however. With the wit one would expect from a published humorist, Cataluna offered up anecdotes from her travels and adventures during her long career (some of which can't be reproduced here), from her love of writing obituaries to her utter disdain of having to come up with "tips" for readers.

Lee Cataluna's new book, Three Years on Doreen's Sofa, as well as Folks You Meet in Longs and Other Stories, is available for purchase at Amazon.com.