What was your first job as a journalist?
Only happens at thesmallest weeklies-I went frm being the only reporter2 the editor 6 mnths after grad.2 good stringers,IdidEVERYTHING ELSE
Have you ever used a typewriter?
Nope.But I could.
Who's your favorite fictional journalist?
Jimmy Olsen.
What does it mean to be a journalist?
I always thought we all knew that.But now the idea of the truth being defended is kind of quaint.Deception distorts media's role:pretty toxic
How do you prefer to be pitched on stories?
Anyway the average Joe pitches is fine. Certain PR people have that unrelenting, aggressive spin,calling yr editor, needing total control!
What tools and software do you use to do your job?
Just MacBook w standard media apps.Aperture.My Fijifilm has a huge lense for a lowend camera.I miss my Canon.
What's your favorite social network?
I don't know.Twitter's cool,the way its imposed a swift economy of language on a very small planet I just can't stand Facebook!I lovebloggers
Who do you wish followed you?
If he were alive, the writer James Baldwin.Also writer Grace Paley. Journos I most admire:Alex Kotlowitz,Leon Dash,Elinor Langer+ Ron Suskind
Why did you become a journalist?
This is what I was born to do.
Did you work for your high school newspaper? If so, what did you do there?
No I wrote poetryWeirdly enough I actually wrote sonnetsA good poem is the hardest thing in the world to write-I just don't have the talent
What story are you most proud of writing or working on?
In 2010 I broke a record by winning four KS state press awards at once, including first place for news; also investigative,features+business
What advice can you offer to aspiring journalists?
U work for the people.If U start 2 feel special itsBcuz u have been honored by that trust.THEY make u special. Journos,stick2gether4support
When's the best time to pitch you?
ANYTIME! Hey, if you're an editor who's awake at 3 am with no one to cover a 7 am story - O'Brien is your man! Wake me right up!
