What was your first job as a journalist?
Vocal. I worked as a content creator for them. I also edited articles for a business paper for my college.
Have you ever used a typewriter?
YES! But I wasn't very good at it and ended up tearing my nail off when my fingers slipped between the raised keys.
How is social media changing news?
Social media is becoming the news. It has brought audiences so close to news that every comment is an editorial response.
Who's your favorite fictional journalist?
He's more a photographer than journalist, but Peter Parker.
What does it mean to be a journalist?
It means that you are taking on the responsibility to communicate ideas to your audience. It means sharing a perspective without lying.
What's the funniest news-related #hashtag you've seen?
The time a bunch of men broke their Gillette razors. It always amazes me how grown men can throw tantrums by being told to play nice.
How do you prefer to be pitched on stories?
E-mail or social media.
What tools and software do you use to do your job?
Word Press, Google Docs, Asana, Slack...nothing particularly unorthodox or special.
What's your favorite social network?
Twitter. But that said, Twitter is can sometimes be a dumpster fire.
Who do you wish followed you?
In a general sense, my target demographic. Those who find my topics interesting. Specifically? Chris Evans.
Why did you become a journalist?
Because I want to tell stories. It just so happens that journalists tell true stories that can change people's lives and perspectives.
What story are you most proud of writing or working on?
Reporting on how alt-right trolls hurt and harassed content creators. I interviewed several targeted individuals. I shared their story.
What advice can you offer to aspiring journalists?
I feel like I am the aspiring journalist. But what's helped me so far is just keep submitting. Keep pitching. What're they gonna do? Say no?
When's the best time to pitch you?
Whenever. I always have my email open.
What's your favorite drink?
Coffee (black and hot) if we mea nonalcoholic. White wine if we're talking alcoholic. Still, I'm usually good with anything but soda.
When you're not at a computer, where are you most likely to be?
In the kitchen, most likely.
Aside from your own, what's your favorite publication to read?
In regards to political and world news, I prefer either the BBC or HuffPost. In regards to entertainment, The New York Times.
What's the most common misperception about your beat?
Many believe we write SEO-driven clickbait. The truth is entertainment writers love media. Our writing is a response to media we love.
