Anatomy of a Story: Astronauts, Emails, Edits.

What happens when you have an out-of-this-world scoop but no one bites...

Some stories are a bit out of the ordinary. And some stories are out of this world. Welcome to my monthly-ish newsletter feature, The Anatomy of a Story. This one features 2.5 years, 11 pitches, and one astronaut…

Here’s how I got a huge interview with Canadian astronaut Jeremy Hansen and a subsequent story in Dreamscapes magazine.

Let’s roll back to the summer of 2022 when I attended a conference “speed dating” meeting with tourism board reps to chat about cool things happening in Calgary, Alberta. I followed up, specifically citing their upcoming winter press trip, but it didn’t seem to go anywhere. Fast-forward many months, and I hear back from them. They’re sending me a press trip invitation for the summer of 2023, and it’s to visit during the Calgary Stampede! I left with many possible story ideas buzzing around my brain… none of which had anything to do with outer space.

However, shortly before I left, I chatted with space journalist Elizabeth Howell about my upcoming travel plans. She mentioned that interview slots were still available with the Parade Marshall, astronaut Jeremy Hansen. This is her usual beat, and she gets press releases from the Canadian Space Agency, so she was in the know. A dozen or so emails later, I was very graciously given an early morning interview slot with the man himself.

With the blinds of my Calgary hotel room closed against the morning’s bright sun, I settled into my phone interview. Hansen is easily one of the most generous, insightful, and humble people I’ve ever interviewed. I got absolutely gorgeous quotes. I went off to my first event of the day with a spring in my step, buoyed by our inspiring conversation. I couldn’t wait to write about Hansen’s remarkable life. And so I pitched... and pitched... and pitched again.

Even though I *think* I might be the only travel writer to land an interview with the person who will soon travel further than any Canadian in history when the Artemis II orbits the moon, I couldn’t land a travel publication. I pitched ten times to travel, lifestyle, and men’s general interest publications. Some editors were very gracious and encouraging. Some didn’t respond.