Ethan Gilsdorf
As seen in:
Grub Street,
Medium,
The New York Times,
USA Today,
PBS,
Psychology Today,
TED,
WIRED,
Boston.com,
Substack,
The Toronto Star
and
Covers:
travel, arts, science fiction, movies, geek culture, essay, pop culture, gaming, books, fantasy
Author Fantasy Freaks & Gaming Geeks. Teacher. Nerd. Bylines @NYTimes @Wired Best American Essays @poetrymagazine, @TEDx Why D&D is Good for You. Dex 4 Wis 17.
Interview
What was your first job as a journalist?
I wrote for the newsletter of my food co-op newsletter in Brattleboro, VT.
Have you ever used a typewriter?
Yes.
How is social media changing news?
Not for the better. I get obsessed with how many followers I have. Distracting, yet also opens possibilities to new readers, and new stories.
Who's your favorite fictional journalist?
The journalist I want to be.
What does it mean to be a journalist?
To have something to say. To have a point and a point of view. To be fresh. To not be boring. To not be a tool for public relations.
What's the funniest news-related #hashtag you've seen?
How do you prefer to be pitched on stories?
Both.
What's your favorite social network?
none
Who do you wish followed you?
Other people.
Why did you become a journalist?
As a poet, I got tired of not having an audience. Really.
Did you work for your high school newspaper? If so, what did you do there?
I wish I did!
What story are you most proud of writing or working on?
You're making me choose my babies?
What advice can you offer to aspiring journalists?
Persistence. As a freelancer, I've learned it can take years to develop networks, relationships with editors and other writers, & expertise.
Would you like to take the Muck Rack Interview?
Create a Muck Rack profile.