What was your first job as a journalist?
Freelance writer, and explored travel destinations and cruise lines...
Have you ever used a typewriter?
I used a typewriter many years ago when learning how to type, as the teacher wanted us to "feel" the keys. It's now just me and my laptop!
How is social media changing news?
Social media is the best/worst thing to happen to news today. It's great to promote and spread the word, and can be bad with false reporting.
Who's your favorite fictional journalist?
Does Murphy Brown count?
What does it mean to be a journalist?
It's an honor to be respected by the industry enough to discover, develop and share featured stories...
What's the funniest news-related #hashtag you've seen?
- good to see media outlets can still have some fun with news...
How do you prefer to be pitched on stories?
Emails that are specific with images attached to tell the story is ideal.
What tools and software do you use to do your job?
I keep it basic. I write with WORD, and most of the digital stories are formatted on websites via WordPress.
What's your favorite social network?
I love the simplicity of instagram with big/bold photos, but also appreciate Facebook for being able to tell more of the story...
Who do you wish followed you?
Meryl Streep!
Why did you become a journalist?
I've been writing since I was young, and being able to flush out stories and then share that with friends and strangers alike is a dream job!
Did you work for your high school newspaper? If so, what did you do there?
Of course, I did work with my high school newspaper and year book...
What story are you most proud of writing or working on?
During the pandemic, I have worked on several stories that brought attention to destinations and hotels "giving back".
What advice can you offer to aspiring journalists?
If you love to write and love to investigate and look beyond the obvious, pursue journalism with everything you have to give and share!
When's the best time to pitch you?
Typically, mid-week and mid-afternoon, but with the amount of pitches each day, I can't always get to them quickly...
What's the best pitch you ever got?
It was for a hotel that clearly painted the full picture of the property, destination and amenities. I wanted to experience for myself!
What's the worst pitch you ever got?
This happens almost daily, as many pitches are so generic and unexciting that they are easy to forget and don't spark my interest!
What's your favorite drink?
Everyday drink is sparkling water with lime. A rich, red wine with dinner. An occasional skinny mojito by the pool is a special treat!
When you're not at a computer, where are you most likely to be?
Traveling, golfing or reading a good book!
Aside from your own, what's your favorite publication to read?
I am constantly reading golf, travel and hotel publications for pleasure, and especially enjoy the stories and style of Robb Report.
What's the most common misperception about your beat?
For luxury travel, many feel that it's just first class travel and spa treatments, but it's also about flushing out the behind-the-scenes!
