What was your first job as a journalist?
assistant editor at the now defunct U. The National College Magazine
Have you ever used a typewriter?
Yes. I am that old. Aesthetically they are quite pleasing.
How is social media changing news?
In some ways, like with celebrities, it is making journalists less necessary. There's also a lot more reactionary stories to tweets & posts
Who's your favorite fictional journalist?
Borat
What does it mean to be a journalist?
it means decoding the world for others in whatever field you specialize in and telling people's stories
What's the funniest news-related #hashtag you've seen?
How do you prefer to be pitched on stories?
by email
What tools and software do you use to do your job?
A laptop, an iPhone, a camera, pens, notepads, Office, social media apps
What's your favorite social network?
Instagram
Who do you wish followed you?
Tina Fey
Why did you become a journalist?
Because I love learning other people's stories and am pretty good at coming up with puns.
Did you work for your high school newspaper? If so, what did you do there?
Yes, movie reviews. I also edited the yearbook.
What story are you most proud of writing or working on?
Cover story for Cosmopolitan on Kaley Cuoco simply because it was my first cover in a magazine that started before I was born
What advice can you offer to aspiring journalists?
You have to really want to do this job in the current climate so decide that first. Then do your research, be professional, and listen.
When's the best time to pitch you?
mornings
What's the best pitch you ever got?
not sure i can answer this
What's the worst pitch you ever got?
I was pitched on a real wedding that incorporated some craft fixit glue/tape or something.
What's your favorite drink?
milkshakes
When you're not at a computer, where are you most likely to be?
traveling the world, kicking ass, and taking names
Aside from your own, what's your favorite publication to read?
Los Angeles Times, Vanity Fair, Esquire
What's the most common misperception about your beat?
That I am just on vacation all the time. That it requires no skills or research.
