Stephanie Mickelson
Verified
As seen in:
MSN,
MSN Malaysia,
MSN Singapore,
Yahoo Entertainment,
Yahoo Life,
Business Insider,
Yahoo Canada,
Yahoo News,
Yahoo News Australia,
Yahoo News Malaysia
and
Covers:
Home improvement, design, personal finance, wellness
Freelance Writer | home improvement + design + personal finance
Interview
What was your first job as a journalist?
I've been a freelance writer since 2019 and have moved between journalism and content marketing.
Have you ever used a typewriter?
Yes! As a kid. And my kids use one when we visit my parents.
How is social media changing news?
People can get news any time and any where which can be good and bad. We also see news from everywhere which can be overwhelming.
Who's your favorite fictional journalist?
Jim Qwilleran from The Cat Who series!
What does it mean to be a journalist?
Being a journalist means telling stories with integrity.
What's the funniest news-related #hashtag you've seen?
Nothing comes to mind!
How do you prefer to be pitched on stories?
It really doesn't matter much. If I like the idea/product, then I'm likely to respond.
What tools and software do you use to do your job?
Lots of Google tools. Notion is another big one.
What's your favorite social network?
I really like LinkedIn and have made a lot of amazing connections through the platform. I also love Substack!
Who do you wish followed you?
I would love for Jordan Younger to follow me. I've been following her for a long time!
Why did you become a journalist?
Honestly, by accident. I started freelance content writing and there's been a shift towards journalism.
Did you work for your high school newspaper? If so, what did you do there?
No, I didn't, and I really wish I would have!
What story are you most proud of writing or working on?
Right after the LA fires, I got to write a round up of companies giving a portion of their sales to relief efforts.
What advice can you offer to aspiring journalists?
Just keep going! You're going to hear a lot of "no" but those "yes"moments are worth it!
When's the best time to pitch you?
Anytime!
What's the best pitch you ever got?
I got a pitch about a restaurant design in NYC and was able to coordinate interviews with the owner and designer. I loved writing the story!
What's the worst pitch you ever got?
I can't think of one off-hand, but anything CBD or alcohol related just because I don't do either.
What's your favorite drink?
Coffee. All day.
When you're not at a computer, where are you most likely to be?
Probably doing housework, taking the kids on adventures, or sitting on my new couch!
Aside from your own, what's your favorite publication to read?
Lots of Substack publications. Primarily The Preamble, The Balanced Blonde, Lauren Harano's, and CK's Curiosity Cabinet.
What's the most common misperception about your beat?
I'm not really sure!
Would you like to take the Muck Rack Interview?
Create a Muck Rack profile.