An Interview with VOCM About Being Writers-in-Residence for Newfoundland & Labrador
When my article reflecting on our month in Newfoundland & Labrador went viral, I had the chance to talk to VOCM about my feelings on the response to the article, as well as on the province at large.
Bri and I in Bonavista, Newfoundland & Labrador
As I’ve noted across my social media channels, I’ve been astounded by the response to the first article that I put together about our time as Writers-in-Residence in Newfoundland & Labrador. It was, as I noted in the article, my attempt to sum up an experience that felt like it simply couldn’t be summed up.
But, after much reflection, I put forth my attempt, “What I Learned Spending One Memorable Month in Newfoundland & Labrador.” On Facebook alone, it was shared nearly 1000 times, and reached over 300,000 people. It has been read tens of thousands of times.
This was something I did not expect, and perhaps represents the most humbling moment of my career thus far. The comments on that post were tremendously moving to me.
It was validating to know that being so utterly present and curious for that month had paid dividends - that the places and people that I was writing about felt I had seen them. What more, as a writer, can you ask for?
A Bit More About VOCM
VOCM is a prominent radio station based in St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador. "VOCM" actually stands for "Voice of the Common Man," which reflects the station's historical commitment to providing news, information, and entertainment to the general public.
VOCM was founded in 1936 by local businessman Chesley R. Crosbie. It has since become one of the oldest and most well-known radio stations in Newfoundland and Labrador. The station, as I understand it, has played a significant role in the cultural and informational landscape of the province at large.
VOCM broadcasts a mix of news, talk shows, and covers a wide range of topics. However, the station is perhaps best known for its strong emphasis on local content, and it often serves as a platform for discussing issues relevant to the people that call this province home.
It started as a radio station, but now has an online presence as well with the same underlying goals that the started off with - to showcase the experience and inform the people of Newfoundland & Labrador.
It was an honour to be tapped on the shoulder to speak about the article itself, as well as offer further thoughts on our time there.
We’ll be writing much more about the province, so do visit our Canada Travel category to see what’s new. Bri, for example, recently wrote about our experience on Battle Harbour.
The Interview on VOCM, Based in St. John’s, Newfoundland & Labrador
Overlooking St. John’s from Signal Hill.
It wasn’t a long conversation by any means, but I do feel as if I was able to communicate some of what I learned, and what the month we spent in that province meant to me.
You can always reach out to me at chris@travelingmitch.com if you want to get in touch, or find me on Instagram, or on our Facebook page. I hope you enjoy it.