I interviewed three great friends who are also three great Times Writers! These three are Hanni319, kirbie393, JasmineK. Let's get to know them a little better:

Me: Out of all the articles you've written that were actually accepted, which are your favorites?
Hanni319: LoL, I like "The Cowboy Who Trades" and "Summer Camp Jitters". I wrote that article 'cause I was trying to calm myself down about camp. =D
kirbie393: I have no clue why, but I really like all of the book reviews I've had published. I also like a couple of my poems ("My Rose," "I Miss You," and "Smile Fades Away"). LoL, sorry if I sound vain for having so many faves.
JasmineK: My favorite articles... hmm, this is a tough one. Probably my favorite serious article was "Consequences of War," because I got to express an opinion that was really important to me. My favorite funny article was "What the Heck is an Ion". And "Pink Plastic" is my favorite poem because I poured a lot of emotion to it and got an interesting response. But everything I've written has some personal significance to me. Otherwise, why did I bother to write it?

Me: Where do you find inspiration for articles/poems?
Hanni319: I just sit and watch what's happening everywhere. Whyville is a very interesting place. I love watching social activity. =D  I also base a lot of writing on my life, and my poetry is based on my entertainment and friends. =)
kirbie393: That's the weird thing about my writing... I find inspiration anywhere. Like a random quote off a movie. But a lot of it comes from controversial things that I really care about -- those just don't tend to get published, or I get so worked up over them that I don't send them in.
JasmineK: I find inspiration for articles everywhere -- in the news, at school, with my friends and family, from my feelings. There is an amazing list of things I could write about, but I just don't have the time or energy sometimes. If I actually wrote an article every time I had an idea for one, I'd have 100 times more articles.

Me: How did you feel when you discovered that one special sunny Sunday you were a Times Writer?
Hanni319: WOW! I felt like I actually made a difference. I used to feel unnoticed and stuff, but then people started congratulating me, and it was a lot of fun. =)
kirbie393: I was ecstatic. That's the best word I can think of for it. After a while, though, the excitement just sort of... wore off a little, I guess. It was still fun, though. =)
JasmineK: I was ecstatic when I found out I was a Times Writer. It was a really great feeling. Actually, every time I get something published, it's exciting. An issue of the Times that includes my writing is just that much more special to me.

Me: Have you ever considered journalism as a real career?
Hanni319: A career? ...hmm.... Not for me. I do plan on writing books when I'm older, but I know I am definitely going to be an actress and singer. I decided I would be an actress/singer when I was 6 years old, but I do plan on writing scripts and stuff. =D
kirbie393: Of course! =) But I decided to give up on that for a while when I realized I didn't have the range to write books, or the talent to be a news reporter.
JasmineK: I have definitely considered journalism as a real career, although it's one of many options I'm considering. This year I'm taking a class in journalism at my school with a really great teacher, so we'll see how that goes.

Me: What are your goals as a Times Writer?
Hanni319: I wanna be controversial. =D I love a good debate. I have sent in some serious stuff and it hasn't been accepted, but I think it's important to talk about this stuff. Also, I am trying to get people to have more confidence, and to get closer to world acceptance, where people will be ok with differences.
kirbie393: I think I should just point out something -- I'm not technically a Times Writer anymore, not since I kind of... exploded in one of my articles. So I guess my goal is to work on my skills until I can be a Times Writer again.
JasmineK: My goals as a Times Writer are to inform, influence and excite people. I want to encourage people to look at issues around Whyville or around the world in a different way, and maybe even inspire them to do something about it. I want to make a mark.

Great words from great girls!

Keep it Real <3
-outgoing