Iggy interviews a Professional Writer

Hi Mr. Faris! Thanks so much for agreeing to be interviewed today!

We’ve never met but you did meet my mom when you were a little kid. She told me that you were one of the writers for the Kids STAR children’s newspaper when she worked there. And now you’re a professional writer!

That’s amazing!

When did you know that you wanted to be a professional writer?

When I was a kid - probably by the time I was six years old. I read the Ottawa Citizen newspaper every morning at breakfast, always starting with the sports section, and thought the reporters there had the coolest job.

What did you do to make that dream come true?

I worked hard in class and seized every opportunity that I could to write. I studied literary arts when I was in high school and wrote for my university's student newspaper. Those were great experiences that confirmed to me it would be fun and fulfilling to write for a living.

What motivates you to work hard?

Enjoyment of the work I'm doing and the satisfaction of publishing stories that I'm proud of. I also really like my editor and my colleagues and think it's important to be a good teammate.

What is your favorite thing about your career?

I get to write a lot, be creative, think about sports, and ask questions to interesting people.

What qualities make good journalists?

Curiosity, empathy, honesty, and tenacity.

Are there any famous journalists that inspire you? Why are they inspirational to you?

The journalists who inspire me the most are friends of mine who are young, smart, driven, supportive, and passionate about what they do.

Who is your hero?

My fiancée - she's a writer, too! - and my parents.

What is your favorite book to read?

"The Breaks of the Game" by David Halberstam.

Who is your favorite author?

When I was a kid, it was Roy MacGregor, mainly because of his excellent "The Screech Owls" series of hockey books. I met him at a book signing in Ottawa and it was a childhood highlight. Nowadays, John Branch of The New York Times is another author I admire and like to read.

What did you want to be when you were small?

A sportswriter!

If you could choose to do anything for a day, what would it be?

I'd be with family and friends at a cottage and do this: wake up, have coffee and read; spend the day outside canoeing and swimming; barbecue for dinner; and relax around a campfire after sunset.

What is your favorite game or sport to watch and play?

I love watching hockey, but I can't skate very well! I like to run and play basketball, soccer, and squash.

What would you sing at Karaoke night?

Y.M.C.A. by Village People.

If you could only eat one meal for the rest of your life, what would it be?

A diner in my neighbourhood serves a delicious breakfast spread: eggs, bacon, sausage, pancakes, homefries, and toast. 😋

Do you have a pet?

Yes! We have two sweet, affectionate, troublemaking cats who make every day interesting.

What is one of your dreams that you hope will come true?

Getting to travel everywhere in the world that I'd like to visit.

Thanks so much for taking the time to answer my questions Mr. Faris. 

If you’re ever in Ottawa, please let me know so mom and I can meet you for lunch ok?

Absolutely! Thanks so much for the interview, Iggy. It was great to talk to you.

Take care and never ever give up on your dreams!