beginnings
how I got started | I have always wanted to be a writer, and
finally decided to do something about it at the age of 26 when I went
back to school for journalism. While going to school part-time, I worked
full-time and eventually did an internship where I clocked more than
200 hours. It wasn't until I did the internship here at the Weekender
that I decided that newspaper writing was the route for me (I wanted to
focus more on magazines). After my internship ended, I staying on
part-time, basically doing grunt work, pitching stories, going to events
with the staff - ANYTHING to keep my name on the editor's lips should a
position open up. One eventually did - and I'm now in my third year as
the staff writer/designer. The climate of the Weekender and its arts and
entertainment content was the type of subject matter that I was most
passionate about, and it still is.
inspiration
why this job?| Writing was something I've done since I was around
8 - I'd always kept a journal and was an avid book, newspaper and
magazine reader. It's really the only thing I think I'm good at.
love
why I love this job!| That it is never dull, that we get to
interview some really great subjects that range from local artists to
famous musicians and everything in between, and that it is so widely
read in our area.
work
my typical day| Researching, writing, interviewing, working with
editor and graphic artist on cover image ideas and layout, providing
content on our Web site such as my blog, regulating our MySpace profile
and other basic office duties. I interview article subjects and write
cover stories and articles, edit 10-20 stories per week by
correspondents, interns and my editor, manage the Weekender's massive
event listings, work with interns/correspondents, chip in at the many
charity events and promotions our newspaper sponsors or gets involved
with, write at least one blog a week for our Web site, take photos at
events for photo galleries on our Web site. Every other week, I am on
the air for the radio portion of the "He Said/She Said" article on local
country station Froggy 101.3 for a battle of the sexes with the
station's afternoon DJ. I also spearhead our annual Readers' Choice
poll.
challenges
what they are | Being able to handle negative, disagreeing
response to articles, wearing many hats, sifting through and/or denying
some requests that might not be story-worthy with professionalism and
grace, landing some interviews that you really have to fight for, trying
not to be scooped by competition, writing about topics you might not be
interested in, but need to find an interesting angle.
upside
all about growth | Personally, I think there's definitely room to
grow in the newspaper industry, especially as more content is needed
for the Web. And, even with many companies focusing on their Web sites, I
firmly believe people will still want a tangible newspaper to hold in
their hands. As for knowing if there is a high demand for this position,
I'd like to believe that there is, especially to our former interns
(and having been one myself). It's a great place to get your feet wet in
the industry to see where the road takes you - and make a great career
out of.
More Info
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