Alison Hill
Verified
Covers:
Writing, lifestyle, general features, profiles, women entrepreneurs, inspiring women, paranormal, horror, listicles, opinion, essays, blogs, politics, thrifting, Welsh culture, travel.
Doesn't Cover:
Tech, bitcoin, personal finance.
Interview
What was your first job as a journalist?
A newspaper reporter on a weekly newspaper covering the Lleyn Peninsula in Wales. I wrote a lot about sailing, planning issues and sheep.
Have you ever used a typewriter?
No.
How is social media changing news?
It allows for community and citizen journalism. It's changing how we absorb and react to news. It's diversifying the news.
Who's your favorite fictional journalist?
Kit Kittridge - an awesome reporter at just 10 years old!
What does it mean to be a journalist?
I'm observant, constantly asking questions. Everything I see and hear is a potential story...so be careful what you say!
What's the funniest news-related #hashtag you've seen?
Can't think of one.
How do you prefer to be pitched on stories?
Email, message or text.
What tools and software do you use to do your job?
MacBook Pro, Microsoft Word, iPhone, Final Cut Pro.
What's your favorite social network?
Facebook.
Who do you wish followed you?
Stephen King
Why did you become a journalist?
After watching The Killing Fields I was inspired, and I wanted to make a difference in the world.
Did you work for your high school newspaper? If so, what did you do there?
We didn't have a school newspaper.
What story are you most proud of writing or working on?
I once went undercover with an alleged cult for a TV show and filmed with a hidden camera. It was an interesting assignment.
What advice can you offer to aspiring journalists?
Learn from those who have been in the journalistic trenches. Don't be intimidated by anybody. Dig deep. Be different.
When's the best time to pitch you?
Business days, any time between 9 am and 7 pm.
What's the best pitch you ever got?
An invitation to appear as a panelist on a BBC studio audience show filmed at The Newseum, Washington D.C.
What's the worst pitch you ever got?
Can you research, write a script and supervise filming for free?
What's your favorite drink?
Champagne and coffee.
When you're not at a computer, where are you most likely to be?
Enjoying time with my husband and daughter, hiking, camping or lazing on my hammock sipping a cocktail.
Aside from your own, what's your favorite publication to read?
Writer's Digest, Real Simple, HGTV Magazine, okay that's three!
What's the most common misperception about your beat?
I'm a freelancer and people think we procrastinate...the nerve!
Would you like to take the Muck Rack Interview?
Create a Muck Rack profile.