What was your first job as a journalist?
I was a sports writer for a weekly newspaper. I even wrote about high school football games that I didn't attend.
Have you ever used a typewriter?
Yes.
How is social media changing news?
The idea that our new President impulsively Tweets makes me nervous.
Who's your favorite fictional journalist?
John Grisham
What does it mean to be a journalist?
Everyone has a story. It's my job to find out what makes a person and place tick.
What's the funniest news-related #hashtag you've seen?
How do you prefer to be pitched on stories?
Email at info@timcotroneo.com
What tools and software do you use to do your job?
I started using Prowritingaid to help with grammar. My Wordpress website is a daily work in progress.
What's your favorite social network?
LinkedIn
Who do you wish followed you?
An editor whose publication focuses on island travel, business and golf.
Why did you become a journalist?
I'm naturally curious. It's an honor to have individuals share their stories and discover new places through travel.
Did you work for your high school newspaper? If so, what did you do there?
No. Although the first job offer I received out of a college was with a weekly newspaper.
What story are you most proud of writing or working on?
The Remarkable Story of Rodney Lavard. This is an amazing story of overcoming adversity.
What advice can you offer to aspiring journalists?
I deal with rejection every day. Keep digging and you will succeed.
When's the best time to pitch you?
Either morning, afternoon, or night.
What's the best pitch you ever got?
I'm a travel and golf writer, so usually I'm doing the pitching. I always enjoy learning about new places and new people in the travel indus.
What's the worst pitch you ever got?
There's no such thing as a bad pitch. Just bad planning or grammar.
What's your favorite drink?
Goombay Smash.
When you're not at a computer, where are you most likely to be?
The Caribbean is my passion and my happy place.
Aside from your own, what's your favorite publication to read?
Entrepreneur Magazine.
What's the most common misperception about your beat?
That travel writing is all play and no work. There is a lot of preliminary research and then interviews (plus photos) while I'm on site.
