JFP SPOTLIGHT
5 THINGS TO KNOW
about
Carlton McGrone
COURTESY CARLTON MCGRONE
1
I was born and raised in Jackson. I’m an only child, so I grew up among my many cousins. Each year, my mother signed me up with some sort of sports organization to further socialize with children. I even managed to get a black belt in taekwondo during my freshman year at Terry High School. I later attended and graduated from The University of Southern Mississippi in Hattiesburg in 2019. Although I was a natural storyteller, I never knew I wanted to write until I applied for Southern Miss’ student-run newspaper, The Student Printz. Since then, I’ve wanted my life to contain some form of writing, whether that be fiction or some type of journalistic pursuit.
2
Deputy Editor Nate Schumann informed me of a freelance-writing position with the Jackson Free Press last fall. He and I met while we both worked on USM’s newspaper, and he reached out to me after I’d graduated about the opportunity. Because I was fond of reviewing media and entertainment, Nate asked if I would like to write reviews for him at the Jackson Free Press. 4 pg Block 4.375x5.5).pdf
Freelance Writer
3
Mostly, I write book reviews of works by Jackson-native authors. I’ve also interviewed an author for a Q&A. I love that I’m able to publish articles that allow me to employ the critical eye that I acquired as an English major. I’m regularly able to write for an audience, and I challenge myself to produce better work each time.
4
In terms of hobbies and interests, I love to exercise, though I could never join a CrossFit gym or anything intense like that. Leisure activities such as hiking or running are more my speed. I love music and listen to at least one album a day without interruption. As a calming, mindful habit, I like to cook simple, quick meals. Lastly, I guess it goes without saying, but I’m never without a book on my nightstand.
5
Not-so-fun-fact, during my first experience with flying, the pilot slept in, and a thunderstorm caused the flight’s cancellation, so I slept, alone, in a Chicago airport with my luggage flown somewhere in the country, as it never arrived in Jackson. Looking back, the 1 6/9/20 5:39 PM ordeal was more harrowing than it sounds.
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Fireworks 5k Virtual Run/Walk July 3-July 5 Feel good and do some good! June 24 - July 7, 2020 • jfp.ms
Help raise funds to support education and food insecurity.
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$25
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Every runner or walker receives an inaugural finisher medal.
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