Today we’d like to introduce you to Nile Fortner.
Hi Nile, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today.
Ever since I was in grade school, I had an interest in writing and stories. My parents would share books, movies, comics, and all kinds of forms of storytelling with me. I still remember being a kid and my dad sharing a big box of comic books with me and I knew from that day forward, I would be invested in storytelling.
I took that interest, and I became more interested in real stories in the South Florida community and culture. So, I took my interest in writing while wanting to apply it to the community. I studied storytelling and characters, and that inspired how I write about people. for instance, there’s no reason why we can’t read about someone or see someone and cheer for them the same way we do Rocky, Batman, etc.
While in school, I got more experience being a writer, even writing for my Piper High School blog. Therefore, I eventually felt confident enough and I reached out to local publications and platforms. I wanted to see if I could become a community writer helping to bring awareness, understanding, news, and features to people and events.
I believe to learn about people is to learn about the community and to learn about the community is to learn about yourself in a way I’ve learned so much about myself, the people around me, the areas, and so much.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Everyone faces struggles, but it’s how you deal with them that helps define you. I’ve had people say things like, “You’re not a good fit,” or “Try something else.”
However, I took that and decided to keep pushing forward and work to be where I am today. Even though there’s room for improvement, I can say that my work has proven people wrong that I am good enough to be a journalist, writer, and more.
Honestly, if someone is going to let a few bad moments, people, or struggles to stop them from succeeding at whatever it is they want to accomplish, then that may mean they don’t want it as bad as they think.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I’m a multimedia journalist and I work as a South Florida community columnist writer for various publications and platforms.
Some of those newspapers, magazines, and websites include the Sun-Sentinel, Miami New Times, Fort Lauderdale Magazine, MIA/Legacy, The New Pelican Newspaper, and more. Some of my articles have gone on to be cover stories for local newspapers, and I work to help bring awareness and understanding to news, and features on people, interests, businesses, and events.
I’ve also been a podcaster for BocaFirst, Choose954, and CinePhellas. Also, I worked in public relations with The Gab Group, and did social media management such as for Yacht Life TV, and Grace Arts Fort Lauderdale, and I’ve done it for Venice Fort Lauderdale’s Magazine.
Networking and finding a mentor can have a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
Yes, I’m big on networking and meeting people because you never know where it can not only lead you but also lead the other person.
If they have network meetings or any social gathering, don’t be afraid to speak with someone, shake a hand or two, and be open. I’d tell myself, even if you meet one new person, whether it’s an event or even through email, etc. then that should be seen as a success.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://nilefortner.wixsite.com/nilefortner
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nile_fortner/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nile.fortner.79
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nilefortner/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/Nile_Fortner
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfP8bRmE3j9saKzRuS-EXrg
Image Credits
Jack Paraiso @ikotherainman, Nile Fortner, Society Las Olas Thrive Statue, Valery Guillaume of @Valvisuals, Fort Lauderdale Magazine, Bernays Award, Jack Paraiso @ikotherainman, Rufina Magafurova aka @FlowerQueenMiami, Sun-Sentinel Community, Owwll Studio with Jason Hill, Boca Times Newspaper – Cover Story Nile Fortner, Domnic Giannetti, and Evan Darnell of the Red Meat Lover’s Club
