Oddities, the paranormal, fairies and phantoms are topics that Forbes Inglis has written about in the past, but there’s much more to the freelancer, as we find out in today’s Focus interview.
About your journalism:
What do you write about?
My interests are very general but I love writing about Scotland and taking photographs to illustrate my work. I particularly enjoy discovering the little oddities that most people don’t know about. I also write on travel & tourism, the paranormal, social and military history, disabilities and charities but I can write on most topics.
Where are we likely to see your work?
In a range of places. I have written for Scotland’s national newspapers, and various magazines including the Scots Magazine, Military Times and British Heritage and Aviation History in the US.
What’s the most memorable work you’ve done?
Probably my book – Phantoms and fairies –tales of the supernatural in Angus and Dundee. I am currently working on another book and after that I think we might see a Further Phantoms and Fairies or something similar.
What interview or feature would you love the chance to do?
I would love to do a piece, including photographs, about work on a North Sea oil rig but as I have no head for heights I’m not convinced that I could.
About you and PRs:
Where do you source ideas for articles?
Anywhere I can find inspiration. It can be talking to people, a sentence in a book or a press release.
How can PRs be useful to you?
I am always on the lookout for something new, particularly on the travel/tourism side. As I said earlier, I like it to be a little offbeat however.
How and when do you like them to get in touch?
E-mail is fine and I don’t mind when.
Do you find press conferences, trips, parties and other events useful or an interruption?
Depends on the topic and venue but generally they are fine. Meeting people can often provide the best stories.
If you could make one change to the way PRs deal with you, what would it be?
I don’t have any issues with the work of PRs.
About you:
How would you pay the bills if you weren’t a journalist?
Difficult to say. I have worked in industry and law but writing is what I enjoy most.
If we gave you £1000, how would you spend it?
I’d probably put it towards the purchase of another camera.
What books are on your bedside table, magazines in your bag, or blogs on your screen?
For pleasure, Stramash by Daniel Gray, tales of the lower reaches of Scottish football. Brilliant and funny. Magazines tend to be work related so history and paranormal magazines.
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