Response writers are what make the world go round at Odyssey! Using our response button feature, they carry on our mission of sparking positive, productive conversations in a polarized world.

We're excited to highlight one of our top writers on our homepage each month. Our March writer of the month is Hunter Johnstone of Eastern Michigan University. Read on to hear her story of becoming a response writer!

Want to become a response writer? Email us! You’ll get to choose your own topics and write one article a week. Your work will be featured on our homepage and in our weekly Overheard on Odyssey newsletter. Plus, for your first 10 articles, you’ll be compensated by HQ at $10/response.

Hi, my name is Hunter Johnstone and I am a response article writer for The Odyssey. I have been writing articles for the platform since November 2022. I attend Eastern Michigan University majoring in Media Studies and Journalism with a minor in Creative Writing. Last November, my News Writing and Reporting professor sent out an email that had details about working for The Odyssey. I was immediately intrigued as I love to write and I want to be an author one day, so I immediately reached out to Glorie. Not long after, I was offered the position of response writer.

Being a response writer is really interesting because you get to read other people's takes or views and then respond with something that you make your own. That, and your responses can vary in the subject matter. For example, sometimes I post listicles about books or movies while other times I talk about personal experiences. I feel like I can really talk about things that I am opinionated and passionate about without judgment.

Now when it comes to my work being published, I really enjoy that. It is helping me build a writing portfolio and I get such a proud feeling when I see an article written by me and that it is being read by an audience. The feeling of having my voice heard by others is such a gratifying feeling. I also get paid for my articles which is really cool since it's like a reward for writing quality content.

Overall, working for The Odyssey has been an eye-opening experience and an amazing opportunity for myself and my work. I can’t wait to make more content and to further find my voice in my writing.