What was your first job as a journalist?
Writing movie reviews for CrypticRock.com
Have you ever used a typewriter?
Not since I was a child.
How is social media changing news?
Not necessarily for the better as websites chase clicks and clout instead of stories and sources.
Who's your favorite fictional journalist?
Clark Kent.
What does it mean to be a journalist?
Writing about a field you're passionate about, and expressing that passion in a way that strikes a tune with the readers.
What's the funniest news-related #hashtag you've seen?
Haven't really seen any I found particularly funny.
How do you prefer to be pitched on stories?
In clear, concise details so I know what's required of me and what the pitcher wants.
What tools and software do you use to do your job?
A laptop, MSWord, and Firefox. When push comes to shove I'll use my phone too.
What's your favorite social network?
None.
Who do you wish followed you?
Someone who's interested in my work, would like to see me write more, and is willing to pay well for it.
Why did you become a journalist?
I like to write about my interests and analyse media. I'd like to appeal to others with my writing, and hope they enjoy what I write about.
Did you work for your high school newspaper? If so, what did you do there?
My high school didn't have a newspaper. I did have my own website as a teenager, where I got my first taste of writing reviews for pitches.
What story are you most proud of writing or working on?
My review of My Name is Myeisha. An important film that should be watched by more people.
What advice can you offer to aspiring journalists?
Get into extra-curricular activities. The experience will help you out in the long run, and make it easier to get paying jobs.
When's the best time to pitch you?
Mid-afternoon UK Time.
What's the best pitch you ever got?
Getting to review movies that turned out to be underrated gems like My Name is Myeisha, 1985, Sword of God, etc.
What's the worst pitch you ever got?
I got the chance to review SoulCalibur 2 as a teenager, only for the game to not be compatible with my UK PS2.
What's your favorite drink?
Vodka and lemon usually.
When you're not at a computer, where are you most likely to be?
At my day job, or on a walk outside.
Aside from your own, what's your favorite publication to read?
Retro Gamer
What's the most common misperception about your beat?
That list writing is just perfunctory googling and writing. It occasionally involves Bing and Wikipedia too!
