Carson Vaughan

Freelance Writer/Journalist

In high school, Carson explored his love of writing through his school's newspaper. It was so much more than being given essay prompts in an English class. It was freeing. By the time he started researching colleges, he didn't consider majoring in anything but journalism.

Carson currently has the most luxurious work space possible – his living room. As a freelance writer, he spends his time reporting various stories, which he half-jokingly admits is only a third of it. Another third is actually pitching the stories to publications and following up to make sure that he gets paid. Although this may seem frustrating, Carson loves it. If he were to write for one publication, it would narrow the scope of stories he could explore. As a freelancer, if he wants to pursue a story, he can. If it doesn't fit one publication, he simply pivots and pitches it to another.

"It's a roller coaster, but one that —if you have the will power to stay busy—can be greatly rewarding."

In late January 2016, Carson flew to Elko, Nevada, to report on the 32nd annual National Cowboy Poetry Gathering for The New Yorker. Although this may seem like an oddly specific gathering, it struck home for Carson. His second cousin wrote and performed cowboy poetry throughout Carson's childhood. As a kid, he thought it was hokey, but he grew to appreciate it. The assignment lead him to reconnect with his cousin, and it took Carson down an unexpected rabbit hole. He's written about cowboy poetry for VICE, The Atlantic, USA TODAY, Hemispheres and more. He's found it easier to make a living in journalism, but he still keeps a foot in the literary world, often contributing to The Paris Review and other outlets. 

In college, Carson loved a number of his journalism professors. Charlyne Berens, Scott Winter, Tim Anderson, Rick Alloway  and Joe Starita all inspired and encouraged him to become a better, more efficient writer without losing his creative spark. They pushed him to think a little harder and work a little longer on every assignment.

"These professors are still the voices I hear in my head when I'm writing or thinking about turning in anything less than my best work. I owe them more than I could ever repay."