Have you ever used a typewriter?
Yes! I spent a lot of time at my parents' office, so I taught myself how to use their typewriter.
How is social media changing news?
Social media makes news-sharing happen at the speed of light. But reaching more people faster is a double-edged sword. Quality is key.
What does it mean to be a journalist?
To be a good steward of your readers. Care about the topic and commit to delivering honest, helpful information.
What's the funniest news-related #hashtag you've seen?
. It started as a meme and has spilled over into news culture. You see that hashtag and you know you're in for a crazy story.
How do you prefer to be pitched on stories?
I'm in my inbox more times per day than I can count, so that's the best place to send a pitch. LinkedIn is second.
What tools and software do you use to do your job?
Asana, Google Suite, HelloWoofy, HARO, Terkel, and Help a B2B Writer are in my tech stack.
What's your favorite social network?
LinkedIn -- Unlike other social networks, I always feel my time here is well spent.
Who do you wish followed you?
Professionally: Micah Kaufman. Personally: Sarah Brightman.
Why did you become a journalist?
To share with, inspire, encourage, and enlighten others.
Did you work for your high school newspaper? If so, what did you do there?
I was in the inaugural class of my high school's newspaper. I was a reporter covering local news and the arts/humanities department.
What story are you most proud of writing or working on?
A client piece on what it means to "matter" to others and why it's important.
What advice can you offer to aspiring journalists?
Just start writing. It doesn't have to be good or perfect. Find a topic you love, write, then improve. And improve some more.
When's the best time to pitch you?
Early mornings are best. I check email as part of my "getting ready" routine before client work consumes me.
What's the best pitch you ever got?
Someone from Jekyll Island asked me to write a feature about the ghost sightings and stories of the island. By far the most fun pitch.
What's the worst pitch you ever got?
"Hey, I've got a great resource you can link to in your blog!" My question for them: What's in it for me?
What's your favorite drink?
Dr. Pepper. You either love it, or you're wrong.
When you're not at a computer, where are you most likely to be?
Reading in bed under a fuzzy blanket or hiking in the Northeast Georgia mountains.
Aside from your own, what's your favorite publication to read?
Also Justin Welsh's The Saturday Solopreneur newsletter.
