Interview With a Writer: Serena Solomon
Award-winning journalist Serena Solomon shares her thoughts on writing for StoryTerrace and what it’s like to be on the receiving end of an interview...
Premium Writer
Serena Solomon began her adult life as a social worker helping homeless teens in her hometown of Sydney, Australia. During that time she learned three things: listen, listen, and listen. It is a lesson that served her well when she transitioned into journalism with a BA in Media.
After spending years as a reporter in the gritty world of New York City local news, Serena is now a freelance journalist and writer who regularly contributes to the New York Times as well as other publications such as the BBC and the Atlantic’s CityLab.
Serena sporting orange hair during a study abroad stint in Seattle.
ST: When did you first realise you wanted to be a writer?
I never thought to myself “I want to be a writer.” However, I did think at about the age of 14 that I wanted to be a journalist. I love the entire process of interviewing, researching, thinking, and writing.
ST: Whose biography would you most like to write?
I love the stories of “regular” people. I’ve interviewed a few celebrities and it tends to be boring; they are cautious and you’ve likely heard their story before. The story of a random person will always be surprising and often, their life story will reflect something greater in society — a cultural trend, a grand moment in history, etc.
ST: If you were writing a StoryTerrace book of your life, what would be the title and why?
I will tell you when I’m 90. Probably because I’ve written obituaries, I do have a morbid fascination with what the lead (the opening few sentences of a news article) of mine might be. That’s if I even get one! You need to be a little bit famous to get a decent obituary.
ST: What surprised you most about working for StoryTerrace?
When I sit down with an elderly client whose family bought them a biography package, often the client will say “I have no idea why the family wants this documented.” And then over the course of a few hours, this incredible story trickles out of them. People don’t seem to realise the incredible story they’ve lived. Hopefully, when they read their life in a StoryTerrace book, it changes their opinion.
ST: What is your idea of perfect happiness?
An endless Saturday morning.
ST: What is your biggest fear?
Writing on a white board or blackboard (showing my age there) in front of other people. I’m a good writer, but a terrible speller. Spell check is my best friend. Thank God I wasn’t a journalist in the typewriter era!
ST: Consider your life story. What's the name of the chapter you're in right now?
"Is There a Manual for This Kid?"
ST: What trait do you admire most in others?
Conscientiousness.
ST: If you hadn't become a writer, what career would you have right now?
Probably a producer of documentaries. It’s another way to tell stories and I am obsessed with stories.
ST: What is your most treasured possession?
Probably my engagement ring. I’m not really into possessions, but I can take a ring on an airplane so it is very portable. I think that comes with moving to different countries, because you have to get rid of a lot of things when you move or pay huge amounts in shipping.
ST: Who are your favorite writers?
Taffy Brodesser-Akner. Although she writes about other people, often her magazine features are really about herself, which proves to be the more interesting story.
ST: For someone that asks questions for a living, what is it like answering questions about yourself?
It’s terrible. I’m reminded how generous people are to answer the questions I ask of them. It makes you feel vulnerable.
Lightning Round!
ST: Salty or sweet?
Sweet.
ST: Introvert or extrovert?
Both.
ST: Truth or dare?
Truth.
ST: Vintage or modern?
Vintage.
ST: X-ray vision or time travel?
Time travel.
If you’d like to work with an accomplished writer like Serena on your own autobiography, get in touch to schedule a free consultation. You can also use our Writer Search Tool to find the perfect writer for your project today.
Premium Writer
Serena Solomon began her adult life as a social worker helping homeless teens in her hometown of Sydney, Australia. During that time she learned three things: listen, listen, and listen. It is a lesson that served her well when she transitioned into journalism with a BA in Media.
After spending years as a reporter in the gritty world of New York City local news, Serena is now a freelance journalist and writer who regularly contributes to the New York Times as well as other publications such as the BBC and the Atlantic’s CityLab.
Serena sporting orange hair during a study abroad stint in Seattle.
ST: When did you first realise you wanted to be a writer?
I never thought to myself “I want to be a writer.” However, I did think at about the age of 14 that I wanted to be a journalist. I love the entire process of interviewing, researching, thinking, and writing.
ST: Whose biography would you most like to write?
I love the stories of “regular” people. I’ve interviewed a few celebrities and it tends to be boring; they are cautious and you’ve likely heard their story before. The story of a random person will always be surprising and often, their life story will reflect something greater in society — a cultural trend, a grand moment in history, etc.
ST: If you were writing a StoryTerrace book of your life, what would be the title and why?
I will tell you when I’m 90. Probably because I’ve written obituaries, I do have a morbid fascination with what the lead (the opening few sentences of a news article) of mine might be. That’s if I even get one! You need to be a little bit famous to get a decent obituary.
ST: What surprised you most about working for StoryTerrace?
When I sit down with an elderly client whose family bought them a biography package, often the client will say “I have no idea why the family wants this documented.” And then over the course of a few hours, this incredible story trickles out of them. People don’t seem to realise the incredible story they’ve lived. Hopefully, when they read their life in a StoryTerrace book, it changes their opinion.
ST: What is your idea of perfect happiness?
An endless Saturday morning.
ST: What is your biggest fear?
Writing on a white board or blackboard (showing my age there) in front of other people. I’m a good writer, but a terrible speller. Spell check is my best friend. Thank God I wasn’t a journalist in the typewriter era!
ST: Consider your life story. What's the name of the chapter you're in right now?
"Is There a Manual for This Kid?"
ST: What trait do you admire most in others?
Conscientiousness.
ST: If you hadn't become a writer, what career would you have right now?
Probably a producer of documentaries. It’s another way to tell stories and I am obsessed with stories.
ST: What is your most treasured possession?
Probably my engagement ring. I’m not really into possessions, but I can take a ring on an airplane so it is very portable. I think that comes with moving to different countries, because you have to get rid of a lot of things when you move or pay huge amounts in shipping.
ST: Who are your favorite writers?
Taffy Brodesser-Akner. Although she writes about other people, often her magazine features are really about herself, which proves to be the more interesting story.
ST: For someone that asks questions for a living, what is it like answering questions about yourself?
It’s terrible. I’m reminded how generous people are to answer the questions I ask of them. It makes you feel vulnerable.
Lightning Round!
ST: Salty or sweet?
Sweet.
ST: Introvert or extrovert?
Both.
ST: Truth or dare?
Truth.
ST: Vintage or modern?
Vintage.
ST: X-ray vision or time travel?
Time travel.
If you’d like to work with an accomplished writer like Serena on your own autobiography, get in touch to schedule a free consultation. You can also use our Writer Search Tool to find the perfect writer for your project today.
