What was your first job as a journalist?
I was the managing editor of a monthly general-interest magazine -- with no prior experience. I jumped in at the deep end of the pool.
Have you ever used a typewriter?
Constantly, all the way through college. But all of my professional journalism experience has been on a computer.
How do you prefer to be pitched on stories?
Succinctly, by e-mail, by people who have taken the time to find out what I write about and what may interest me.
What tools and software do you use to do your job?
My Macbook Air, my iPhone, lots of pens, and whatever device I can find that plays CDs.
What's your favorite social network?
Professionally, I spend the most time on Facebook, followed by Twitter. My favorite, though, is a site for fiber enthusiasts called Ravelry.
Why did you become a journalist?
It seems like an accident of fate; it was never my plan. I've kept at it feeling it's important for the arts to keep a place in the media.
Did you work for your high school newspaper? If so, what did you do there?
No. I wrote one or two book reviews for my college paper.
What story are you most proud of writing or working on?
My story on the training of American opera singers seems to be the one that's had the most impact. I did 45 hours of interviews for it.
