What was your first job as a journalist?
Reporter for The Highlander weeklies in West Covina, CA. Had to write 7 stories a week covering community news, with lots of freedom.
Have you ever used a typewriter?
Abso-blumenutely! Both manual and electric.
How is social media changing news?
The speed people get their news I lay on social media's figurative feet. The accuracy and fairness of that news you have to always question.
Who's your favorite fictional journalist?
Carl Kolchak!
What does it mean to be a journalist?
Telling, sharing stories and moving the reader's perception however minutely to thinking, "Now I know how that feels."
How do you prefer to be pitched on stories?
Email first.
What's your favorite social network?
Facebook I suppose
Who do you wish followed you?
Stephen King, Ken Burns, the Obamas, Katherine Center, Taylor Jenkins Reid
Why did you become a journalist?
To tell stories. The interest is always human for me.
Did you work for your high school newspaper? If so, what did you do there?
Editor in chief of the PAREF Woodrose Gazette, also known as "The Rosette." Loved every minute of writing for it.
What story are you most proud of writing or working on?
Anything touching on the Asian American experience.
What advice can you offer to aspiring journalists?
Do it if you love it.
When's the best time to pitch you?
Right at 9 a.m.
What's your favorite drink?
Coffeeeee, well, cream and sugar with a little coffee.
When you're not at a computer, where are you most likely to be?
In thick socks and comfy clothes somewhere at home, reading. (Snacks most likely nearby.)
Aside from your own, what's your favorite publication to read?
Smithsonian magazine, People magazine, Washington Post, NYT
