Journalism internships can give aspiring writers and editors the opportunity to gain the experience and contacts necessary for success in this field. Internships can also pay poorly (or even nothing), involve dull “administrative” duties and make wannabe Cameron Crowe’s feel like Waylon Smithers. The organizers of the Nonfiction speaking series are looking for former interns to share stories of both the glorious and ghastly variety.

Nonfiction is an off the record speaking series where journalists take the stage and talk about the trials and tribulations of their trade to an audience of peers. Two well-attended Nonfiction events were held last year.

For the next incarnation, journalist Ian Daffern says organizers are looking for, “Stories of the most humbling time in every writer or reporter’s life: Interning. Worst calamities, brushes with greatness, most humbling moments or troubling nightmares, both privately felt or under the eyes of their media bosses. Overall, we want great storytellers with secrets too good not to share.”

Those interested in participating in the “Intern Confidential” series can contact Daffern at ian@iandaffern.ca.

The next Nonfiction will take place at the Drake Hotel Underground on February 20 with doors opening at 8:00 PM. Final lineup will be announced later this month.

Masthead is also working on an in-depth look at magazine internships that will appear in the March/April 2008 issue. If your magazine has an internship program and you haven’t already been contacted, please e-mail mursi@masthead.ca with details.