Pop Quiz: Pauline Millard
Every Friday I plan on asking a few questions of a fellow freelancer, editor or other interesting person you might care about who can share some good info with you. If you know anybody who might make a good profile, please, suggest away. Today: New York writer Pauline Millard, Associated Press Online Editor who also covers the arts and literature when she’s not reporting hard news.
1. How did you land your job with the AP?
When I was 22 I had just finished Syracuse University and I was living at home in Connecticut with my mom. I had no car and I rode my bike to work everyday at a medical journal. It was a fine life, albeit a boring one. The suburbs were provincial at best and all my friends were in New York City clearly having far too much fun.
One afternoon I was home alone. Since I didn’t have a car I had to amuse myself, so I started looking for new jobs and sent an e-mail to the AP via the website. I figured I would hear nothing, especially since I was so young. About a week later I got a call from the online desk, asking if I would come in for an interview. I went in, took the test and the rest was history. That was five and a half years ago.
Along the way I also earned a Masters degree from the Columbia University School of Journalism. I went part-time while working full time. That made me a master of time management as well as quite versed in random neighborhoods, such as Brighton Beach and East New York.
2. What have been your favorite stories to cover?
I love writing about books and interviewing writers. They fascinate me. I love reading a book and then going into someone’s home and talking to them about it. Some writers have really impressed me as people. Also, in 2002 I got to interview John Mayer before he was huge. That was cool. He’s ridiculously funny.
3. Any bad writing habits you’re trying to break?
I procrastinate like it’s no one’s business. I also must have coffee on hand, which keeps me up until the wee hours. Music is terrible distraction for me. I don’t understand people who can listen to music and write at the same time. I think you use the same part of your brain to process them.
4. Did you make any writing-related goals for this year?
Oh geez. Yes…I want to get an agent, edit the novel I wrote last year and get the darn thing out. I think these agents that have turned me down have kind of under estimated my work ethic. My dad once compared me to a pit bull and I think he’s right on that one. When I want something, I go for it…chain leash be damned.
Other, less stand-offish goals, are to try new forms, such as the personal essay. I recently started writing a bi-weekly column for
The Simon. It’s a cultural and political website. The guys that run it, Tim and Russell, have given me free reign to spout about anything I like. They’re my new best friends.
5. Do you have any juicy stories from your interviews with authors?
Ha ha…not really. Okay, maybe a few. I’m really not one to kiss (write?) and tell. I want to keep getting invited to parties.
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