What was your first job as a journalist?
United Press International
Have you ever used a typewriter?
Yes. When I first started as a reporter in 1973 in High School, we used the then very modern IBM Selectric 2 typewriters.
How is social media changing news?
Drastically and in some ways not well. With the news cycles now in literally nanoseconds, reporters need to keep up but still be accurate.
Who's your favorite fictional journalist?
Lois Lane
What does it mean to be a journalist?
Simply? I get to make a difference.
What's the funniest news-related #hashtag you've seen?
There are simply so many that make me laugh so yeah, not a single one leaps out.
How do you prefer to be pitched on stories?
Email-Phone either, in person also works.
What tools and software do you use to do your job?
iPhone, laptop, pen, reporter's notebook, Microsoft Word & OpenOffice
What's your favorite social network?
Facebook
Who do you wish followed you?
I'm good with anyone if my work makes a difference in their lives in a positive way.
Why did you become a journalist?
The Washington Post's coverage of Watergate. Even though I was growing up in Canada- it was so inspiring.
Did you work for your high school newspaper? If so, what did you do there?
Yes. Copy Editor and part time reporter
What story are you most proud of writing or working on?
A piece I wrote in 2013 for LGBTQ Nation magazine. 'For a lost soldier.' It was a touching story for me and my readers as well.
What advice can you offer to aspiring journalists?
First off? LISTEN. Our job as journalists is to be able to convey the story to our readers, viewers, or listeners. One needs to listen.
When's the best time to pitch you?
I'm good anytime but especially after I've had my cuppa (coffee) in the morning eh?
What's the best pitch you ever got?
I think the best pitch I ever got had to do with the story of LGBTQI pioneers who had faded into obscurity yet their work was so critical.
What's the worst pitch you ever got?
A story on the benefits of religious influenced products.
What's your favorite drink?
Before 5 coffee, after? Jameson Irish Whiskey.
When you're not at a computer, where are you most likely to be?
Sadly I'm a consummate reporter hence my smart phone keeping track of the news cycles even as I am in social settings or out & about.
Aside from your own, what's your favorite publication to read?
Still the Washington Post
What's the most common misperception about your beat?
That I should offer "informed" guidance to my readers.
