One of Plum's primary objectives remains that of telling stories about our community, and we are always working on improving our craft. So when Michael Shnayerson (Contributing Editor for Vanity Fair) stopped by the MorningNoon&Night Show and spoke with Olivia Sterns, we listened attentively and hung on his every word. We were relieved to hear him say that writing is a fun job but it never stops being a little scary.As intimidating as the topics he has covered may be (i.e. how to avoid romantic tragedy or the dangerous rise of drug-resistant bacteria), the scary part is the process of being topical and thorough while amidst the modern-day 24/7 news cycle on the television and computer screen. Still, the writer is always on the ball in regards to catching those stories that begin as minor blips on the radar. He has also penned a biography about Irwin Shaw and the story of General Motors' electric car. Two of Shnayerson's most recognizable stories, however, took place right here in the Hamptons: Ira Rennert's 100,000 square-foot construction of the largest home in the coutnry (located in Sagaponack), and the murder of East Hampton resident and millionaire philanthropist Ted Ammon. When writing the Rennert story, Shnayerson was the first to report that the industrial tycoon was, in fact, one of the biggest, private polluters in the world (imagine how many heads that turned on the East End, let alone the country). When his camera time was done, Shnayerson conversed with another fellow Vanity Fair writer, Carl Bernstein. For all we know, the exchange between the two professional writers could have ranged from the next big topic to where they were catching the fireworks this weekend. Maybe one of them will write a story about it.
Video
Michael Shnayerson discusses the fun parts and hard parts of being a professional writer.
Add your comments...