Probably 90% of you have either heard of or subscribe to Time Out. For those of you new to the scene, I’ll sum up: it covers the latest happenings in over 30 cities from New York to Sydney to Bucharest and its simply brilliant, digestible morsels of curated local activity suggestions can make any music/theatre/art lover quickly fall in love.
I had a chance to catch up with Frank Sennett, editor-in-chief of Time Out Chicago to find out more about the story behind his story. A career writer, Sennett became editor-in-chief of Time Out Chicago in January 2008. Prior to that, he wrote columns on politics and blogging for the Spokesman-Review in Spokane, hosted a public radio show on the alternative press and reviewed fiction for Booklist.
In addition, Sennett is an accomplished author and has published seven books this decade. He has also taught creative writing for the UCLA Extension Writers’ Program.
Here’s more from our chat:
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Laura: I can only imagine that the job of editor-in-chief for Time Out Chicago is invigorating and fast-paced. What do you find most rewarding? The most challenging?
Frank: The reader connection we have at TOC is amazing. They are with us every step of the way, and don’t hesitate to chip in great ideas, tell us what they love or offer constructive criticism when needed.
The staff is tightly knit as well. When we did a wedding for two readers last year (a couple actually let me perform their ceremony!), so many people here stepped up to perform music, decorate our conference room, etc. Even on normal days, I think I have about the best media job in the city, working with people I greatly admire and respect.
Laura: You started out as a writer and have published seven books so far in this decade. Did you always know you wanted to be writer?
Frank: There was a while, in high school and college, when I wanted to be a stand-up comedian and then perform on the Second City mainstage (I was in a children’s show there back in the late ’80s, so that was one dream fulfilled), but yeah, pretty much I’ve been writing since I was a kid. Edited the high school newspaper, went to journalism school, did the college humor mag, then got a creative writing MFA and started exploring fiction.
Writing is richly rewarding. But I love editing and managing our publication, too. When I was a kid, as broke as we were sometimes, my mom would always take us to the newsstand every week and let me and my sister pick out a magazine. So I grew up feeling magazines were these wonderful, important things. I still subscribe to way too many.
Laura: One of my favorite parts of Time Out Chicago is the “Heard on the Street” column. I’m sure it’s a secret, but can you share any insider information on who your source is? No worries if you can’t, but I’m sure Time Out fans want to know!
Frank: Everyone always says, “I love ‘Heard on the Street’ — are those lines made up?”
The answer is: It’s stuff we actually do overhear when we’re out on the town, and I think a few trusted people we know, so the lines are real. It’s amazing the kinds of things you just overhear on the bus or train. We’re planning to open things up a bit online, encouraging readers to submit their overheard lines, but we can really vouch for the reality of the stuff in print. Sometimes I’ll have to ask, “What was the context of that crazy line?” Guessing at that is part of the fun.
Laura: Given your experience and lengthy career as a writer, what would be your advice for aspiring or even established writers to keep up their writing practice?
Frank: I’ve done a lot of blogging, and that can keep you sharp. And in general, less daydreaming about what you’re going to write and where that might lead and more actually sitting down at the keyboard and getting it written is always good. Do the work and get to know people in your field and the rest should follow.
Read a ton of stuff that turns you on, although when I read Anna Karenina a few years back, I was so blown away by it I felt maybe I should just give up the game. But even though we can’t all be Tolstoy, we’ve all got stories in us worth telling.
In terms of networking, I’ve gotten a lot of pleasure from Twitter (I’m @SennettReport). A lot of writers are on there and it’s quite sociable. I’ve never felt so connected to my fellow busy Chicago media types as I have since I signed up on Twitter.
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Huge thanks to Frank for sharing his thoughts and time with us.
His advice to writers, as with many of the other interviews we’ve done here, is that reading is an indisputable must of being a writer. So, let’s all keep reading. Even if you don’t want to be a writer — reading is way better than staring at the wall for four hours.
Just for fun, here are three of my favorite “Heard on the Street” bits from the past few issues of TOC:
1. You should only speak Spanish in secret. (Laura’s note: This is true, if you’re me.)
2. I wish I didn’t have to remind my friends not to shoplift all the time.
3. I hate parties – and there probably will be swine flu.
For more info: Visit Frank’s site and Time Out Chicago.
{ 3 comments… read them below or add one }
Laura, what a fantastic interview? Who isn't a fan of Time Out? I've always wondered who was behind that column as well. Found you on Twitter and just subscribed.
Thanks – Bryan P.
I just saw this review after I read my Time Out Chicago! I sometimes rip out the Heard on the Street column and post the hilarious ones on my wall. There are 2 I recently posted that I think people would like:
- I hope I get Tourette's just to punish you.
– We all want adulthood to taste like Fruity Pebbles.
this interview is great! i live in chicago and get time out every week. i go to a lot of comedy and music events that are listed there. great site too.
lindsay