What was your first job as a journalist?
Does it count to say when I worked at my student paper? I was a science and tech writer for The Mancunion, which, imo was pretty cool.
Have you ever used a typewriter?
Yes... maybe? I can envision the feel of a typewriter but I can't remember using one. I think my mum used to have one, somewhere??
How is social media changing news?
Attention spans - focus on that hook more than ever. But then sometimes, forget the hook, and focus on personality. Who knows, basically!
Who's your favorite fictional journalist?
Too many to name!
What does it mean to be a journalist?
Clarity, conciseness. Telling important stories. Much much more than that but they're five words I'd choose.
What's the funniest news-related #hashtag you've seen?
Oh god I don't know. Too many to say!
How do you prefer to be pitched on stories?
Email.
What tools and software do you use to do your job?
Mostly just Microsoft Word! And that handy thing, the search bar.
What's your favorite social network?
Bluesky/linkedin(?) - not a huge fan of social media tbh.
Who do you wish followed you?
Well, I don't know if I need her to follow me, but I think Zoe Kleinman is pretty f***ing fab.
Why did you become a journalist?
To tell interesting stories clearly. To tell stories interestingly. Interesting stories. TL:DR, I'm very nosy.
Did you work for your high school newspaper? If so, what did you do there?
N/A
What story are you most proud of writing or working on?
N/A
What advice can you offer to aspiring journalists?
Keep on keeping on. And pitch! Just pitch. Practise makes perfect. (I'm still learning)
When's the best time to pitch you?
Anytime but really I'd prefer working hours.
What's the best pitch you ever got?
?? TBD
What's the worst pitch you ever got?
It began with 'happy junior Friday' (it was a Thursday). I was probably in a terrible mood because today it's making me giggle.
What's your favorite drink?
Tea (several cups of it). Or, at the moment, fizzy water. Something about it just screams holiday.
When you're not at a computer, where are you most likely to be?
Hmm. Even when I'm at a computer I struggle to sit still, so when I'm not, you'll find me on a run, at yoga/salsa/dare-I-say-it pilates.
Aside from your own, what's your favorite publication to read?
I hate to say it but my favourite reads often come in email form, via substack/some other newsletter platform
What's the most common misperception about your beat?
That it's boring/something to avoid! Science is so cool - it's worth the extra pain it takes to explain something complicated.
