James Dowd
Connecticut
VP of Creative at Rebel & Author at Write Dumb
Interview
What was your first job as a journalist?
Elementary school. Knights of Columbus newsletter. My coverage was acceptable.
Have you ever used a typewriter?
Yes. In fact, it was a gift from my father when he decided it was acceptable that I wanted to become a professional writer.
How is social media changing news?
It's now easier than ever to read the news while on the toilet.
Who's your favorite fictional journalist?
Will McAvoy
What does it mean to be a journalist?
I don't think I have enough characters for this one.
What's the funniest news-related #hashtag you've seen?
Any one with a brand in it.
How do you prefer to be pitched on stories?
Over bourbons.
What tools and software do you use to do your job?
Email drafts. Everything is done in an email draft, no matter it's purpose.
What's your favorite social network?
Linkedin
Who do you wish followed you?
Aaron Sorkin
Why did you become a journalist?
My advisor told me it would be a bad idea because it requires a lot of travel and lacks the security of having a comfortable desk job.
Did you work for your high school newspaper? If so, what did you do there?
Yes. As little as possible.
What story are you most proud of writing or working on?
Every article you'll see on here is first draft and thought up that day. They are raw and natural, and therefore, I enjoy each of them fully
What advice can you offer to aspiring journalists?
Spend more time writing and less time talking about being a writer.
When's the best time to pitch you?
When I've had a few bourbons.
What's the best pitch you ever got?
Who remembers such things?
What's the worst pitch you ever got?
Who knows
What's your favorite drink?
Bourbon.
When you're not at a computer, where are you most likely to be?
In the woods with my mutts.
Aside from your own, what's your favorite publication to read?
Wikipedia
Would you like to take the Muck Rack Interview?
Create a Muck Rack profile.