Simon Willmore
Verified
Digital @BradtGuides, edits/podcast @jrnymag, words @wanderlustmag, author @RoughGuides @Frommers, more. I have a Masters in Engineering - what a waste of time.
Interview
What was your first job as a journalist?
Writer for a travel news website in London.
Have you ever used a typewriter?
For work? No. For pretending to be 70 years old? Yes.
How is social media changing news?
The quality of writing is getting worse.
What does it mean to be a journalist?
To be inquisitive, personable and energetic. To want to inform the world and offer your insight on the important issues of the day.
What's your favorite social network?
twitter for talking, facebook for friends
Who do you wish followed you?
Why did you become a journalist?
To write! To learn, to analyse, to share and to talk.
What story are you most proud of writing or working on?
Chapter 12 of The Rough Guide to Spain (book out in March 2015)
What advice can you offer to aspiring journalists?
Network with others until your jaw aches, write (anything) until your hand hurts, do internships until your wallet screams.
When's the best time to pitch you?
As soon as something important - truly important - happens. If it's not important, don't pitch!
Would you like to take the Muck Rack Interview?
Create a Muck Rack profile.