Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Devin Ammons. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Devin, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. It’s easy to look at a business or industry as an outsider and assume it’s super profitable – but we’ve seen over and over again in our conversation with folks that most industries have factors that make profitability a challenge. What’s biggest challenge to profitability in your industry?
One of the biggest challenges to profitability in newspapers today is the rise of social media, which has drastically altered how people consume news. With platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram offering instant, often free, access to headlines and stories, traditional newspapers struggle to compete for readers’ attention. Social media’s ability to quickly disseminate information, often without the overhead costs of investigative journalism or print distribution, has led to a significant decline in newspaper subscriptions and advertising revenue. This shift has forced newspapers to rethink their business models, as they balance maintaining journalistic integrity with the need to generate income in a digital-first world.
Devin, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
My name is Devin Ammons, and I’ve spent years cultivating a career in writing, particularly focused on bringing the stories of my community to life. My journey into the industry began with an opportunity to write for my college’s online blogging community, where I quickly found that my passion for storytelling could amass quite a following. Several professors recognized my potential, and although I wasn’t the best student, helped me curate and perfect my writing style.
Currently, I work as a writer, producing content for local newspapers, focusing on everything from human interest pieces to community events. I’m also learning as I go. For the most part, I am an entirely self-taught journalist. The process has not come without its own problems, though. There is a distinct learning curve with AP-style that is very different from what you are taught in school unless you are on a specific journalism track. There are also no days off. One of the papers I work for prints daily—even when I am sick or taking a vacation, the paper doesn’t stop. It’s a balance I’ve had to find, and I am most grateful for my co-workers and writers who help make everything possible. Without all of the people behind the scenes whose names may not always be on the page there would be no newspaper.
One of the key problems I aim to solve for my readers and clients is making complex stories accessible and engaging while ensuring accuracy and adherence to journalistic integrity. I bring a unique blend of emotional connection and factual precision to my work, which helps set me apart from others. Whether I’m writing about a local business, a community initiative, or a personal profile, I’m driven by a desire to inform while inspiring. There is something magical about someone picking up a paper with their story on the front page and knowing that their voice is being heard. The hard-hitting news definitely matters, but it’s the stories about the local high school robotics team competing for a national champion title or about the grandmother of five who beat breast cancer and now runs marathons that mean the most.
I’m particularly proud of my involvement in various community projects, including my volunteer work with our local Junior Auxiliary chapter and my position on the OSERVS (Oktibbeha-Starkville Emergency Response Volunteers) board. Additionally, I’m honored to write about key events and people in Starkville, as it gives me a chance to highlight the vibrant stories that make our town special. What I’d like potential readers and clients to know is that I’m deeply committed to my craft, and I aim to write with authenticity and clarity. I’m also passionate about connecting with others to support the growth and unity of our community.
Have any books or other resources had a big impact on you?
One book that made a lasting impact is “Good to Great” by Jim Collins. It’s more than just a business book—it’s a blueprint for transformation. Collins’ idea of getting the right people “on the bus” before deciding where to go has influenced how I think about building teams and cultivating relationships, whether in journalism or community work. “Start with Why” by Simon Sinek also highlighted the importance of purpose for me. Sinek’s message—that knowing your “why” ignites passion and inspires those around you—helped me clarify not just what I do, but why I do it and why I love it.
In addition to books, essays like Robert Greenleaf’s “The Servant as Leader” opened my eyes to the power of servant leadership. It flipped the traditional management structure on its head, emphasizing that true leadership comes from serving others and lifting them up, which has become a core part of how I approach both my writing and community roles.
In addition to these resources, relationships and conversations with mentors have deeply shaped how I manage projects and connect with others. They have taught me to prioritize purpose, authenticity, and a genuine focus on the people I’m serving. The best advice I’ve ever been given was from a teacher I had in high school who told me “don’t let perfect be the enemy of good.” It’s a reminder that while striving for excellence is important, getting hung up on perfection can hold you back from making progress. In journalism and creative work, especially, it’s easy to tweak and rework something endlessly, but sometimes you just need to hit publish and move forward. This advice has stuck with me because it encourages action, learning from the process, and trusting that good work will continue to evolve over time. You won’t be perfect after three months at the job or 20 years, and people will always continue to remind you of that!
For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?
For me, the most rewarding aspect of being a writer and creative is the ability to tell stories that resonate with people on a deeper level. There’s something powerful about capturing a moment, a person’s journey, or a community event, and seeing how it connects with readers. When my words spark emotion, inspire action, or give someone a voice they didn’t know they had, that’s when I feel the true impact of my work. Being able to bring light to overlooked stories or provide clarity on complex issues is both a privilege and a responsibility. It’s rewarding to know that through my writing, I can help shape how people see the world around them and strengthen the sense of community.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://starkvilledailynews.com
- Instagram: @devammons
Image Credits
Olin Perry Norton; Wil Bane; Gade Chamblee