how the world makes writers

I came across an article on Salon.com, in which a recent print journalism graduate, signed “scared journalist,” asked whether the time he had spent relentlessly studying and interning for the past four years was worth anything, given the current state of the journalism industry. He, like many recent and soon-to-be graduates I know, is stuck working a job fit for high schooler, having his parents foot his cell phone bill and patiently waiting to receive his “big break.” As he has begun to consider different careers that pay more, the “scared journalist” asks whether he should put his dreams of writing for a living to sleep.

The answer that the “scared journalist” received from Salon reporter Cary Tennis really spoke to me. In it, Tennis is straightforward, writing and reminding the “scared journalist” that if he were a “true journalist,” he is “supposed to be having a hard time.” Tennis continues to write, “This is how the world makes writers. It kicks their ass long enough that they finally start telling the truth. They just finally give up and start bleating out little truthlets.”

While I am not studying print journalism, I could certainly relate to “scared journalist,” and after reading Tennis’ reponse, I reminded myself why I wanted to pursue journalism in the first place–to find and tell the stories I am passionate about.

Sure, journalism is a tough market to be in right now, but those who can find and deliver their passions–after a fair share of the world’s ass-kicking–will prevail.

To read the Salon article in its entirity: http://www.salon.com/mwt/col/tenn/2009/06/29/journalism/index.html

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