What was your first job as a journalist?
Delivering the paper in my hometown and writing for the Spark, a community college paper.
Have you ever used a typewriter?
Yes.
How is social media changing news?
It's changing because even though news outlets technically own their stories, people can republish and change them without permission.
Who's your favorite fictional journalist?
Huckleberry Finn
What does it mean to be a journalist?
Find the facts, tell the story, and touch hearts and do your best to keep yourself impartial.
What's the funniest news-related #hashtag you've seen?
How do you prefer to be pitched on stories?
email
What tools and software do you use to do your job?
Computer, internet, photoshop, etc.
What's your favorite social network?
Twitter
Who do you wish followed you?
Why did you become a journalist?
I have a deep desire to find out the truth about myself and others.
Did you work for your high school newspaper? If so, what did you do there?
No.
What story are you most proud of writing or working on?
Jim Carey Said No To Protect His Mental Health And You Can Too
What advice can you offer to aspiring journalists?
Read as much as you can. Don't be afraid to edit. Accept criticism. Listen to the audience, and never be afraid to back up your story.
When's the best time to pitch you?
Anytime.
What's the best pitch you ever got?
To write a story about the food bank in our community. It was a real eye-opener, and I was excited to learn what they were doing.
What's the worst pitch you ever got?
To write a story about a suicide. It took me three months to figure out the right angle and it made me sad.
What's your favorite drink?
Water
When you're not at a computer, where are you most likely to be?
Walking the dogs outside.
Aside from your own, what's your favorite publication to read?
The New York Times.
What's the most common misperception about your beat?
That I agree with the story. Sometimes you have to write something but that doesn't mean it aligns with your values.
