What was your first job as a journalist?
Freelanced for APC writing product reviews
Have you ever used a typewriter?
Yes - I still have one. It's fun for short stories.
How is social media changing news?
It disseminates information really fast but it also means fact checking and checking reliable sources takes second place - sadly.
Who's your favorite fictional journalist?
Stephen King
What does it mean to be a journalist?
I get to share information with the world that teaches, informs and influences people. It's about broadening people's view of the world.
How do you prefer to be pitched on stories?
Email - but get to the point. Make the subject and 1st paragraph relevant or you'll lose me. I get too many emails to read long pitches.
What tools and software do you use to do your job?
Evernote, Notability (an awesome note-taking app for the iPad), Google Docs, Microsoft Word, Pixelmator (editing images).
What's your favorite social network?
I use twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn - but I don't really like any of them!
Who do you wish followed you?
Buzz Aldrin. I think that if someone who'd been such a pioneer wanted to follow what I have to say, I'd be very chuffed.
Why did you become a journalist?
I loved writing. But my journey to becoming a journalist was a series of happy coincidences.
Did you work for your high school newspaper? If so, what did you do there?
I did. It's was in the days of laying the articles out on large sheets and I got high on the glue.
What advice can you offer to aspiring journalists?
Write a lot. Don't be discouraged when an editor says no. And read a lot too. Read broadly. And read perspectives you don't agree with
When's the best time to pitch you?
Morning. But don't follow up with a phone call. I only check email two or three times a day.
What's the best pitch you ever got?
Tough - I get over 100 a day. It's about being direct and having a story hook.
What's the worst pitch you ever got?
Any email pitch that starts with.. "We have great news for you. Please open the attachment".
What's your favorite drink?
A nice, hot cup of tea. Boring ... but i don't drink alcohol.
When you're not at a computer, where are you most likely to be?
Running or walking my dogs at the park. Or watching a movie.
Aside from your own, what's your favorite publication to read?
I don't have a favourite these days. I use Apple's News app so I read stories from lots of places.
What's the most common misperception about your beat?
That I'll believe whatever corporate messaging you have. I've done this for a long time and will call BS out when i see it
