Gary Knowles
As seen in:
Journal & Topics,
Shepherd Express,
Arlington Heights Journal,
Des Plaines Journal,
Mount Prospect Journal,
Niles Journal,
Park Ridge Journal
Covers:
Art, Architecture, Touring (by car), Rock & Alt Music - concerts & fests, Food & dining, Upscale, Islands, Travel -US and beyond, Great Lakes, Gulf Coast, Western States - Unusual Events, Off Beat ,
Doesn't Cover:
I'm open to most anything of significant interest not already well covered...but I'll get back to you - don't call to see if I got your release, thanks!
Getaways Columnist:Journal &Topics News; Travel Adviser WPR; Great Lakes & beyond; photographer, auto enthusiast and OpenAir tour leader
Interview
What was your first job as a journalist?
Photographer for company newsletter
Have you ever used a typewriter?
Sure - grew up with them - from a Royal to a Selectric
How is social media changing news?
With virtually everyone with a phone reporting, it adds lots of perspectives, but difficult to evaluate the veracity.
Who's your favorite fictional journalist?
Hunter Thompson - also favorite "real" journo
What does it mean to be a journalist?
Look and listen carefully, report key and interesting details, be clear, be honest, be useful
How do you prefer to be pitched on stories?
email - but only if it's a real good story, interesting event, unusual, off beat,
What tools and software do you use to do your job?
iPhone, DSLR, Google Maps, local travel guides, newspapers
What's your favorite social network?
Instagram
Who do you wish followed you?
Joe Kwon
Why did you become a journalist?
I became a travel journalist because I have always wondered what might be around the bend, over the next hill, across the lake.
Did you work for your high school newspaper? If so, what did you do there?
I was Chief Photographer for the HS Annual. (No newspaper.)
What story are you most proud of writing or working on?
I was delighted to report on Running of the Llamas in Richmond, WI, Hemingway Fest in Petoskey, MI, and Wine and Golf in South Australia. .
What advice can you offer to aspiring journalists?
Never lose your sense of wonder
When's the best time to pitch you?
Anytime, by email at openair@aol.com
What's the best pitch you ever got?
Iowans fail in attempt to dynamite world's largest popcorn ball
What's the worst pitch you ever got?
We know you're going to want to cover this XXX because everybody does
What's your favorite drink?
Shiraz - or any other wine; Great Bloody Mary; Diet Rite Cola; Pelligrino
When you're not at a computer, where are you most likely to be?
Driving a twisty road
Aside from your own, what's your favorite publication to read?
Wall Street Journal, Smithsonian, Robb Report, AutoWeek, Wine Spectator
What's the most common misperception about your beat?
It's a piece of cake
Would you like to take the Muck Rack Interview?
Create a Muck Rack profile.