Charli Renken
(They/Them)
As seen in:
Chicago Reader,
EIN News,
Built In Chicago,
Built In,
Secret London,
Block Club Chicago,
Secret NYC,
Built in LA,
Built In NYC,
Built In Austin,
Built In Boston
and
Covers:
LGBTQ+, Things to Do in Chicago, Activism, Non-profits, Pop Culture, Politics, Local Businesses
Doesn't Cover:
Sports
@Chicago_reader Social Media Engagement Associate. Occasional journalist. Bylines: @Builtin, @BlockClubChi, @mysecretchicago. (they/them) all thoughts = my own
Interview
What was your first job as a journalist?
Writing comic book reviews for Hush Comics.
Have you ever used a typewriter?
Yes, but not for any actual writing.
How is social media changing news?
It requires seasoned journalists to strategize more and readers to be more critical of where they're getting their news.
Who's your favorite fictional journalist?
Kara Danvers, Supergirl
What's the funniest news-related #hashtag you've seen?
#whereslightfoot is pretty hilarious and also did a great job of encouraging people to practice social distancing.
How do you prefer to be pitched on stories?
An email is great!
What tools and software do you use to do your job?
Wordpress, Google Docs, Buzzsumo, Crowdtangle, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram
What's your favorite social network?
Instagram
Who do you wish followed you?
Alexandra Ocasio Cortez
Why did you become a journalist?
To speak for the people and keep our leaders accountable.
Did you work for your high school newspaper? If so, what did you do there?
No, but I did work for my high school literary magazine as a Co-Editor and my college newspaper as the Associate Editor.
What story are you most proud of writing or working on?
My expose on Campus Security at the Santa Fe University of Art and Design because it removed a corrupt authority figure from campus.
What advice can you offer to aspiring journalists?
Go after what moves you, what you cannot help but write about.
When's the best time to pitch you?
Anytime, really.
What's your favorite drink?
Tea
When you're not at a computer, where are you most likely to be?
Making tea.
Aside from your own, what's your favorite publication to read?
Autostraddle.
What's the most common misperception about your beat?
That the fight for LGBTQ+ rights ended with marriage equality.
Would you like to take the Muck Rack Interview?
Create a Muck Rack profile.