“Journalist: a person without any ideas but with an ability to express them; a writer whose skill is improved by a deadline: the more time he has, the worse he writes.” – Karl Kraus
“Jenny Charlesworth’s career path began to unfold at the tail end of her studies at university. It was apparent from her blind determination to inject flowery prose into academic papers on federalism that this was a girl who had a deep affection for the written word. Leaving the world of Political Science behind after graduation, the Vancouver native has staked a claim in the realm of arts journalism. Those who know Jenny well will tell you, there isn't a day that goes by where she isn't singing the praise of Spell Check or trying to convince her various editors that 'glayvin' is indeed a word." - Jeff Otto O’Brien
The Proof
1. The view from my live/work studio.
2. The ‘Resource Library’ – rock journalism at its finest.
3. My record player.
4. Fresh flowers – the secret to success.
5. The 7-inches currently in rotation.
6. My Dictaphone – the life and blood of the operation.
7. When I’m not hammering together consonants and vowels, you’ll likely find me wandering through antique stores like Baker’s Dozen [3520 Main Street], looking for more treasures like these.
8. You might find my work in any of these fine publications.
The Questions
What neighborhood do you live in?
Lower Mount Pleasant.
What do you do and where?
I’m a freelance writer who spends entirely too much time contemplating guitar tones. The majority of my work is music criticism, but I also write about fashion and the arts. My cozy studio overlooking the North Shore mountains is where you’ll find me most days.
What are you working on?
I’m currently working on an ontological memoir titled The Shaker Pine, as well as a collaboration with Vancouver photographer Jeff Otto O’Brien. I’m also in the process of putting together my long-list as a juror for the 2010 Polaris Music Prize. And chances are, if your favourite band is passing though town, I’ll be interviewing them.
Where can we find your work?
I regularly contribute to The Straight, Spinner Canada and Concrete Skateboarding. My work has also been featured in The Wire, Paste, Color, Naked Eye Magazine, ION, Exclaim! and The Tyee, as well as CTV National News.
Also which websites would you like mentioned?
www.jennycharlesworth.com
