What was your first job as a journalist?
Hayters, sports journalist, Wimbledon beat. Byline for the Daily Mirror very early doors was a remarkable achievement in my eyes.
Have you ever used a typewriter?
Yes
How is social media changing news?
It's forever changing. But the main principles are still the same. If you're good and produce interesting content, you get work.
Who's your favorite fictional journalist?
Not sure.
What does it mean to be a journalist?
It means creativity, truth, the highest standards of writing across all aspects of publishing (big and tiny) - and understanding the audience
What's the funniest news-related #hashtag you've seen?
Not sure.
How do you prefer to be pitched on stories?
Straight.
What tools and software do you use to do your job?
A variety of content management systems as a freelancer. Wordpress-styles are common.
What's your favorite social network?
I like Twitter, but admire Instagram.
Who do you wish followed you?
I have the highest regard for anyone who follows me!
Why did you become a journalist?
I just loved sport, always have and always will. And was writing match reports from the age of about 12.
Did you work for your high school newspaper? If so, what did you do there?
Yes. Deputy Ed.
What story are you most proud of writing or working on?
Have worked on so many stories, but I don't think like that. Once the work is done, we move on to the next and continuously try to improve.
What advice can you offer to aspiring journalists?
Keep knocking on the door, offer your work for free, know who you are and what you're good at. READ LOTS.
When's the best time to pitch you?
Early morning, but anytime is fine.
What's the best pitch you ever got?
Come and work with us in Germany on a YouTube style football project. I thought it was a wind-up!
What's the worst pitch you ever got?
Can't remember.
What's your favorite drink?
Diet coke, unfortunately.
When you're not at a computer, where are you most likely to be?
Running, singing, playing sport.
Aside from your own, what's your favorite publication to read?
I'm an online Guardian reader. And I miss magazines, just have no time.
What's the most common misperception about your beat?
No comment.
