William Quinn
(He/Him)
Edinburgh, London
As seen in:
The Drum
Covers:
Arts, Theatre, Music, Classical Music, Storytelling, Cinema, Community Arts, Arts Education, Puppetry, Fringe Theatre, Art Exhibition, Food
Doesn't Cover:
Popular music charts
Arts reviews, views, and opinions; rooting for artistic success, but always painfully honest. Appreciate the content? Support us at: ko-fi.com/the_q_r
Interview
What was your first job as a journalist?
Reviewing Theatre for The Scottish Play blog.
Have you ever used a typewriter?
Yes.
How is social media changing news?
It's widening the voices being heard, and democratizing, but also a challenge to quality control. Trust has never been harder to earn.
Who's your favorite fictional journalist?
Bridget Jones
What does it mean to be a journalist?
To shine a light on good work, not just high-profile. To speak truth to power, and to be honest & transparent when criticising others' work.
What's the funniest news-related #hashtag you've seen?
#craftywank - a lesson to never be Darren Grimes.
How do you prefer to be pitched on stories?
A clear, concise enquiry stating what is to be covered, why, and the time frame for publication.
What tools and software do you use to do your job?
Wordpress, Microsoft Office, Canva
What's your favorite social network?
Twitter
Who do you wish followed you?
Lin-Manuel Miranda, Barack Obama, Jeremy Corbyn, Richard Ayoade
Why did you become a journalist?
Immense passionate interest in the arts, and what they offer to humanity.
Did you work for your high school newspaper? If so, what did you do there?
No. Though I did write the school Christmas Carol still in use today!
What story are you most proud of writing or working on?
Advocating for a more sustainable future for the Edinburgh Festivals, and a better deal for artists and creatives generally.
What advice can you offer to aspiring journalists?
Reach out to any and all artists, and their reps if you're genuinely interested in their work. Your knowledge and enthusiasm will open doors.
When's the best time to pitch you?
Monday & Friday mornings.
What's the best pitch you ever got?
The best pitches always come from people who value my time, and who have made an effort to connect with me, rather than spam my inbox.
What's the worst pitch you ever got?
The rafts of creatives who reach out days or weeks into the Edinburgh Fringe once they realise the broadsheets aren't coming.
What's your favorite drink?
A crisp glass of Chenin Blanc
When you're not at a computer, where are you most likely to be?
In the theatre.
Aside from your own, what's your favorite publication to read?
Most missed: Fringepig Most enjoyed now: Private Eye
What's the most common misperception about your beat?
That you can eat theatre tickets, and drink reception invites.
Would you like to take the Muck Rack Interview?
Create a Muck Rack profile.