Grown-Ups
Behind the Scenes with Kids and Grownups Editor Tatum Fjerstad
This month Tatum Fjerstad, editor of the kids and grownups sections at Rainbow Rumpus, shares stories about herself and her experiences at the magazine so far. Read on to learn more about her journalism background and her plans for the future.
Why did you want to be an editor for Rainbow Rumpus?
In our country’s current economic state, I’ve found it so hard to find and keep a job doing what I went to school for. I’d been waiting tables and doing other odd jobs to keep the money coming in, but I always felt unhappy. Sure, I have a blog and I journal, but I always miss the newsroom, writing, and editing feeling of a publication. Rainbow Rumpus has filled that void in two ways. First, I am on a deadline again and I’m doing something I love. Additionally, I’m doing this as a volunteer, which makes me feel great.
What has been the most fun so far?
Embarking on a two-way street of creativity. It’s been awesome working with the writers, developing story ideas, and tweaking the finished product. I feel like I’m a part of something that has the potential to grow in a big way.
What has been the most challenging?
Tapping into a community that I’m not super submerged in. It’s been a thrilling challenge to find resources, speak to families, and understand a world in which I did not grow up, but for which I have massive respect.
How has your experience in journalism helped you so far in your editing job at Rainbow Rumpus?
I am one of the few volunteers on the editorial team that has a strong journalism background. A lot of the other writers and editors come from an education, English, or creative writing background. I have been able to share some of the tricks of the trade with my staff and I feel like it’s really helping us work as a team to develop better, stronger stories.
What are some of your plans for the future?
I would like to end up back in the journalism world full time and plan a big trip to Europe. Other than that, I live a one-day-at-a-time kind of life. I’m currently practicing yoga daily at home and I am trying to get better at living in the moment and accepting where I am at right now and loving it for what it is.
Author
Assistant Kids section editor Hannah Crawford graduated from Carleton College with a major in English and a concentration in Latin American Studies. Apart from reading, her great love is theater, which is one of the many reasons she is very excited to have recently moved to Minneapolis.
