What was your first job as a journalist?
I did a lot of freelance work in college, but my first paying gig was in Danville, VA as a cops and courts reporter.
Have you ever used a typewriter?
I actually learned how to type on my aunt's old typewriter when I was 10 or 11.
How is social media changing news?
It's changing how people get news, how quickly they get it and the type of news people focus on.
Who's your favorite fictional journalist?
Lois Lane, of course
What does it mean to be a journalist?
It means holding people accountable, reporting news accurately and never being afraid of asking the hard questions.
What's the funniest news-related #hashtag you've seen?
How do you prefer to be pitched on stories?
On Twitter or by email
What tools and software do you use to do your job?
Cogi and iMovie are my favorite apps. I use Cogi for audio recording and iMovie to edit videos. I highly recommend both apps.
What's your favorite social network?
Hands down, Twitter. The character limitation is frustrating, but it's a great connection tool.
Who do you wish followed you?
Clay Travis, writer and owner of Outkick the Coverage
Why did you become a journalist?
To tell stories. Everybody has a story, you just have to ask the right questions to find it.
Did you work for your high school newspaper? If so, what did you do there?
I didn't, but I worked for my college paper. I started as a copy editor and then moved to a contributing writer.
What story are you most proud of writing or working on?
I just finished a huge death penalty project. It took a lot of work, and I am really pleased at how it came together.
What advice can you offer to aspiring journalists?
Use social media (even private accounts) responsibly. Your electronic footprint can get you in a lot of trouble if you aren't careful.
When's the best time to pitch you?
Any time! You can pitch me via email or on Twitter.
What's the best pitch you ever got?
Profiling a high school student who came to America as a refugee from Burundi. (The links are in my portfolio tab.)
What's the worst pitch you ever got?
A woman wanted me to investigate the "bright lights" hovering over her house. She was convinced "special aircrafts" were watching her.
What's your favorite drink?
The least interesting answer ever - water.
When you're not at a computer, where are you most likely to be?
At a crime scene or on an assignment.
Aside from your own, what's your favorite publication to read?
Outkick the Coverage, the AP and The Post and Courier
What's the most common misperception about your beat?
Crime reporters get desensitized to violence. Totally untrue. I've been to dozens of murder scenes and it always bothers me.
