Nicole Mitchell

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When I was researching the Hurricane Katrina chapters for Warnings: The True Story of How Science Tamed the Weather I had a couple of conversations with The Weather Channel's (TWC) meteorologist Nicole Mitchell. I had heard she flew into the eye of Katrina as an Air Force reserve hurricane hunter.

She confirmed she had done so but I learned the USAF has rules that do not allow airman to give interviews unless they have permission and the Air Force won't grant permission unless the book already has a publisher. For a first-time author, that is a bit of a "Catch 22" since non-fiction books are not even solicited until they are finished (fiction books are often pitched on the basis of outlines).

I was impressed with her because she came across as very professional in both conversations.

In recent months, she seemed to have disappeared from the Weather Channel. It was surprising since I liked her on-air work. I just assumed she had voluntarily left and had taken a television job in another venue.

So, I was shocked to learn she was dismissed from TWC, allegedly for her military service and it conflicting with TWC's schedule. An interview with Captain Mitchell is here.

I want to quickly add that we have not heard TWC's side of the story and I am not making a judgment as to the merits of the lawsuit. 

Regardless, I'd like to wish Nicole well in her future endeavors.

Comments

  1. Brian JohnsonJune 18, 2012 at 8:16 PM

    Mike, you don't pitch a fiction book unless it's ready to go too, unless you've sold millions. The funny thing is I always heard non-fiction would sell by outline only.
    I would talk to the USAF. You have great credentials, they may grant an interview. Plus, it might give some nice extra chapters for Warnings: V2.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Mike SmithJune 18, 2012 at 9:03 PM

    Thanks, Brian.

    ReplyDelete

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