The “freedom to be nosy and inquisitive” is part of what Carlton Boyce loves about freelance journalism. Find out more about his work in motoring journalism in today’s interview…
About your journalism:
What do you write about?
Cars, motoring and related technology.
Where are we likely to see your work?
The Global Herald, although I do pop up in various motoring magazines and websites regularly too.
What’s the most memorable work you’ve done?
My last piece of work is usually my favourite. I love seeing my work in print; it often looks much better than I remember thanks to the skill of the designer and sub editor!
What interview or feature would you love the chance to do?
I’d love to do a series of features on the craftsmen and women who repair and restore vintage car components. Most of them are near – and even long past – retirement age and I worry that no one is being trained to follow them when they’ve gone. It would be a lovely piece of social documentary to record them and the wonderful work that they do.
About you and PRs:
Where do you source ideas for articles?
PR releases, Twitter, talking to readers and industry folk, the news; anything and anywhere, really. That’s part of what I love about journalism, the freedom to be nosy and inquisitive!
How can PRs be useful to you?
Tell me something about the product that I didn’t know. Engage me and make me what to know more about whatever it is that you are promoting.
How and when do you like them to get in touch?
Email initially please.
Do you find press conferences, trips, parties and other events useful or an interruption?
Great stimulation and a chance to put a face to a name. Freelancing can be a lonely profession so it’s good to get out and about when you can.
If you could make one change to the way PRs deal with you, what would it be?
Stop sending me silly surveys that are blatant self-promotion thinly disguised as news.
About you:
How would you pay the bills if you weren’t a journalist?
I used to be a prison governor, so something in public sector management I suppose.
If we gave you £1000, how would you spend it?
I’d pay for more coaching from Colin Hoad at CAT Driver Training. I’ve spent a few days with him before but as a motoring journalist there is always more to learn about driving and evaluating cars. That’s part of the fun; you never stop developing your skills!
What books are on your bedside table, magazines in your bag, or blogs on your screen?
I normally have at least two books on the go simultaneously. Currently I’m reading “Headhunters” by Jo Nesbo (a Norwegian writer) and “Another Bloody Love Letter” by Anthony Loyd (a war correspondent).
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