Nathan Ball
Verified
(He/Him)
Covers:
Gaming News, Reviews, Guides, Interviews, Features, Opinion Pieces, Lists.
Edinburgh-based Games Writer.
MTG Writer @MTG_Rocks
Muckrack: muckrack.com/nathan-ball-5
Interview
What was your first job as a journalist?
My first job was writing articles in a Freelance capacity for the Scottish Games Network.
Have you ever used a typewriter?
Regrettably, I have not!
What does it mean to be a journalist?
It means to take the truth, be it the absolute truth or your own personal truth, and putting it down in words as best you can.
How do you prefer to be pitched on stories?
Via email, with a clear subject line and strong, concise pitch, with some sample quotes if possible.
What tools and software do you use to do your job?
Mostly Google Docs for writing, in combination with the different CMS for each site I write for, and Photopea for image editing.
Why did you become a journalist?
I wanted to combine my passion and knack for writing with my love for games and the industry that surrounds them.
Did you work for your high school newspaper? If so, what did you do there?
Very briefly, during a volunteering spell! I wrote short articles on different school activities and clubs, such as the football team.
What story are you most proud of writing or working on?
So far, I would have to say my interview with Cora Georgiou and Luke Mason from the Hearthstone team, on PC Invasion.
What advice can you offer to aspiring journalists?
Start building a portfolio as soon as you can, on a personal blog if need be, and leverage that to apply for entry-level freelance roles.
When's the best time to pitch you?
Any weekday, between 9 and 5 PM, GMT.
Aside from your own, what's your favorite publication to read?
I'm a big fan of Edge, as well as Kotaku and IGN.
Would you like to take the Muck Rack Interview?
Create a Muck Rack profile.