#MediaMonday – Kathryn M. Miller
Today’s #MediaMonday comes from Kathryn M. Miller, editor of North Central News. Many know Kathryn from her years at CitySunTimes, where she worked for nearly two decades.
Okay, Kathryn, time to share!
What got you interested in writing and editing?
My love of reading sparked my interest in writing. As a kid, I loved the escape to far off places — both real and imagined — that reading offered. Some early favorites include “Island of the Blue Dolphins” and The Call of the Wild,” as well as “The Chronicles of Narnia” and “The Hobbit.” Writing was a natural progression. I am fascinated by family history and enjoy collecting and telling those stories — there is always something new to discover. At work, I am drawn to smaller, human-interest stories about North Central’s amazing, diverse residents and the many unique, locally owned businesses. The editing piece came with the job when I joined the team at my previous newspaper.
Tell us about the outlet and types of story pitches you want?
North Central News was founded in 1999 and focuses its coverage on the area from Indian School Road north to Thunderbird Road; from 19th Avenue east to 44th Street. Story pitches related to businesses and people located in our coverage area are given priority consideration. But if a story impacts our North Central residents, or the business you are promoting is something truly unique, let me know how/why, and I’ll take a look. We also cover the arts and events in the surrounding areas, particularly downtown Phoenix, and introduced a calendar of events in our February issue. Our coverage sections include Arts & Entertainment, Business, Community, Dining, Generations — Families and Seniors, Pets and Schools.
Where did you grow up?
I was born and spent my earliest years right here in the heart of North Central, then our family moved north to the 32nd Street and Greenway area. While I lived most of my childhood and early adulthood in North Phoenix, we still spent a great deal of time in North Central. I returned to the area to raise my kids, who attended school in the Madison Elementary, Washington Elementary and Glendale Union High School districts. I feel like my heart has always been here — joining the team at North Central News felt a bit like coming home.
Favorite type of music?
It may sound cliché, but I love all types of music — from Asian Underground to The Airborne Toxic Event; Bach and Bechet to Billie Holiday and Boston; Dead Can Dance to Depeche Mode; Lead Belly to Led Zeppelin; Neil Diamond to New Order. To say that my Spotify playlist and vinyl collection are eclectic is an understatement. I was an emo child of the 80s, though, and if you saw my cassette collection (yes, I still have it!), new wave and synth pop (especially British) featured heavily, as did U2.
Favorite color?
Midnight blue.
Favorite TV shows or movies?
I’m a big “Star Trek,” “X-Files” and “Alias” fan and partial to medical shows like M.A.S.H., ER, and any number of PBS Masterpiece shows, both current and past. Thanks to streaming, I can still enjoy the old stuff! I love “Mad Men” and “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel” for the stories, excellent acting and production value. “Fleabag” was excellent, I found “Our Flag Means Death” to be absolutely charming and was thrilled to learn that a second season of “Russian Doll” is out April 20. “Star Wars” had a major impact on my life (I saw “A New Hope” multiple times at the original Cine Capri). Choosing a favorite movie is like choosing a favorite kid for me, but, most recently, I absolutely loved “Belfast,” and a few other Kenneth Branagh films are among my favorites.
Favorite local restaurants or other haunts?
I love little mom-and-pop restaurants, hole-in-the wall spots and casual dining. The Middle Eastern Bakery on 12th Street is a long-time favorite, and I recently discovered Salvadoreño Restaurant #3, which is just a few doors down from Karl’s Bakery. I love Little Miss BBQ on 7th Street when serving a crowd and Chef Jones’ Nashville style hot chicken at The Larder + The Delta is divine.
As far as “haunts,” I spent a good part of my 20s at Seamus McCaffery’s in downtown Phoenix and the Rhythm Room (music is food, right?) and more recently, I dig the vibe (and the Old Fashioned) at The Womack, which pays homage to another haunt of my 20s, Chez Nous.
Least favorite food?
Can’t say I have one…I’m fairly open to food experiences, unless it involves shrimp.
Three things readers would be surprised to know about you?
My family has been in Arizona since around the time of statehood, something that seems more and more rare. Because of these deep roots, and more convoluted roots on other sides of the family — but perhaps not surprising — I spend an inordinate amount of time researching our family genealogy and am nerding out on the release of the 1950 U.S. Census this month. There are so many stories to be discovered and told.
And, in the same thread of storytelling, a group of friends and I made three short films a while back, participating in the 48-hour Film Challenge twice. I still fiddle around with screenplay ideas on occasion. Maybe one day I’ll make time and space to do more than fiddle…for now, though, my May issue deadline looms.
Thanks for asking!
Contact Email: kathryn@northcentralnews.net
