Jeffrey Totey
As seen in:
Writer of Pop Culture,
MSN,
KSTW-TV (Seattle, WA),
Inquisitr,
KMOX-AM (St. Louis, MO),
Seattle PI,
BuddyTV,
Parent Map,
Retail Design Blog,
Seattle Refined,
red-tri
Covers:
Pop Culture, Movies, TV and Streaming, Travel, Theme Parks, Seattle, Family, Christianity, General Business
Doesn't Cover:
Technical Business
Pop culture and entertainment writer. #writerofpop
Interview
What was your first job as a journalist?
Freelance writing for the former Examiner.com.
Have you ever used a typewriter?
Ha! I took two typing classes in high school. I miss the clickity clack of the keys.
How is social media changing news?
I think it has a negative effect. More voices are spouting their own personal opinions rather than "just the facts."
What does it mean to be a journalist?
Communicating the facts in a timely, creative manner willing to be your feelings and opinions aside unless the story calls for it.
How do you prefer to be pitched on stories?
I prefer email.
What tools and software do you use to do your job?
Just the basics - laptop and cell phone.
What's your favorite social network?
I have a love/hate relationship with Facebook.
Who do you wish followed you?
Disney
Why did you become a journalist?
While I went to school mainly to become a graphic artist, I learned that I really enjoyed writing about the arts more.
Did you work for your high school newspaper? If so, what did you do there?
I did! I pretty much got whatever story nobody else wanted to do. It wasn't a great experience.
What story are you most proud of writing or working on?
I interviewed three women of color who are actresses in Seattle about the current state of theatre and race relations during Covid-19 and BLM
What advice can you offer to aspiring journalists?
In the words of Dory from "Finding Nemo," - "Just keep swimming."
When's the best time to pitch you?
Pretty much anytime, but morning is best. I might be too busy later in the day to respond.
What's the worst pitch you ever got?
I got an offer to write a bunch of stories but the company would only pay me if and when they choose to print me stories.
What's your favorite drink?
Non-alcoholic: Coke; alcoholic: Mojito
When you're not at a computer, where are you most likely to be?
At the movies, at a play or out doing something fun.
Aside from your own, what's your favorite publication to read?
Entertainment Weekly
Would you like to take the Muck Rack Interview?
Create a Muck Rack profile.