Her Story
About Shannon
Shannon Carlin is a freelance writer based in media publishing, where she covers entertainment, pop culture, and music. She writes stories about new artists and musicians and authored the book Witches Run Amok: The Oral History of Disney's Hocus Pocus. With more than a decade of experience, she began her career at the CBS-owned publication Radio.com before moving into freelance work, allowing her to pitch and select her own stories while collaborating with various editors and teams. Carlin earned a BA in English from St. Joseph's University on Long Island and a master's degree from the CUNY Graduate School of Journalism, now the Craig Newmark School of Journalism at CUNY. She has also mentored young women and women-identifying students in writing through Girls Write Now for about a decade.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Shannon
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to my parents, who built a real work ethic in me and encouraged me to do what I want to do. They were always on my side, believed in me, and felt that I would find my way even if it wasn't journalism.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I received is to be bold. My teachers and professors pushed me to show that boldness will be rewarded. Don't be afraid to speak up if you know what you're talking about, stand up for yourself, be upfront and honest, and stand your ground while not hurting others.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Journalism is in flux and not the easiest industry, but try to make of it what you can by finding your niche and being unafraid to try new things. Be part of the change, find your own way, bring value, and showcase it.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
Journalism is in flux with a lot of change going on, including with AI, making it not the easiest industry to enter, but there are opportunities to find your niche and be part of the change.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Honesty and truthfulness are most important to me, especially as a journalist to tell the truth, get to the truth, and understand the nuance of how people speak and what they're saying. This applies to both life and work.
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