Iron String Press Welcomes
New Staff Writer
COOPERSTOWN
Wriley Nelson, 22, of Middlefield, joined Iron String Press as a staff writer on Thursday, March 23. Nelson is a lifelong Otsego County resident and 2018 graduate of Cooperstown Central School. He earned a political science degree from Hamilton College in Clinton, New York in December, 2022.
Nelson brings an eclectic mix of work experience to the newsroom; he has served as a farmhand, congressional intern, legal assistant, waiter, and shuttle driver. He wrote for Hamilton’s satirical paper, “The Duel Observer,” all four years at college.
Nelson recently spent three weeks traveling around Bulgaria, Macedonia and western Turkey. In his spare time, he enjoys working out, writing speculative fiction and hiking.
“Most of my previous writing has been academic research. I wasn’t sure that I had enough relevant experience, but a friend who held this job before me encouraged me to apply,” he explained. “I look forward to practical journalism experience and putting down stronger roots in a place I’ve called home my entire life. I really fell behind on local events during my last couple years at school and it’ll be good to get an ear back to the ground.”
Nelson researched Central New York and Capital District local governments as part of his political science studies, but looks forward to getting acquainted with the county face-to-face.
“I’ve always been a huge bookworm, but at the end of the day, you have to be an active part of the community. You have to get out and talk to people in the real place where you live if you want to learn anything.”
Nelson interviewed a local author for his first assignment. He said he enjoyed speaking with someone in a creative writing field.
“Several of my friends and I hope to break into fiction, so it’s always nice to pick the brain of someone with more experience,” he reflected.
General Manager and Senior Editor Darla M. Youngs said the staff is delighted to have Nelson aboard.
“It was immediately clear that Wriley is going to be a great asset to Iron String Press. He’s already writing circles around me,” Youngs said. “I’m confident our readers will appreciate the new voice and coverage capabilities Wriley brings to “The Freeman’s Journal,” “Hometown Oneonta” and AllOtsego.com.”