Essential Writers > Essential Words > Natasha Lavattiata explains how Vatican Radio became the starting point for her writing career

Natasha Lavattiata explains how Vatican Radio became the starting point for her writing career

Posted by Gina Dyer
April 30, 2009
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Natasha Lavattiata

Natasha Lavattiata

Natasha Lavattiata is a journalist whose work has included stints at Vatican Radio, Associated Press, TalkSport Radio, the Guardian travel section, World Entertainment News Service, Time Out Rome, Andover Advertiser, Insurance Day, Catholic Herald, Our Sunday Visitor to name a few. Natasha’s next adventure is to set up a magazine and radio station to help new journalists. She talks to EssentialWriters.com about the importance of having passion and determination.

What inspired you to become a journalist?

Listening to the World Service out in Italy and thinking ‘Wow! If it wasn’t for this radio station I wouldn’t have a clue what was going on out there!’ 

Did you receive any formal training?

Yes - one year at Harrow College studying for the National Council for the Training of Journalists (NTCJ) in Print Journalism.

How did you find your first job in the media?

I walked into Vatican Radio in Rome, situated right at the end of Via della Conciliazione and asked to speak to the head of the radio. Padre Lombardi appeared five minutes later and I gave him a copy of my CV. I told him I was Catholic and that I wanted to work in the English section of the news department. I started two weeks later and had the happiest time of my career to date! I loved it there and it was the people I worked with who made it that way.

After that I applied for the post of trainee reporter at the Andover Advertiser in Hampshire, for print journalism experience. I was there for two years.

Do you specialise in a partiular genre?

After seven years in journalism, trying out a whole host of genres including insurance-reporting, I now specialise in true stories of grief, love, shame, hope, regret and triumph; as well as features on any issue affecting the good of society. 

Where are we likely to see your work?

For now, Catholic Herald and www.natashasnotebook.com. However I hope to get slots at women’s magazines and if this doesn’t materialise, I’m going to set up my own magazine.

What are the biggest challenges of the job?

Doing all the ground work in getting my work published.

What are the biggest perks?

Press trips such as the one I’ve just been on with Jordan Tourist Board! And getting to interview people otherwise unattainable to the everyday person.

How do you adapt your style to suit different publications?

I read that publication to get a feel and write accordingly.

What has been the highlight of your career so far?

Right, I should say something like interviewing a Victoria Cross brave hero who had been shot in the head twice to save his comrades during Iraqi war (which is true), but I think it was appearing on Italian TV after befriending the host for NOTW who had been snapped with Nancy Dell’Olio.

After interviewing him on his book he invited me on his show. Okay so I was only in the audience but the camera did zoom in on us after the host introduced my friends and I and he told Italy it was my birthday that day!

What advice would you offer an aspiring writer?

Write on issues you are passionate about. And if you do not know what that is, set about finding it. Otherwise you’ll end up doing something like write about insurance for a living.

What are you working on now?

My book - watch this space! Plus a travel review on Jordan for the Catholic Herald.

You can contact Natasha on nat@natashasnotebook.com

For further details visit www.natashasnotebook.com


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