What was your first job as a journalist?
My first job for journalism was a community beat covering golf tournaments.
Have you ever used a typewriter?
I began my career with a manual typewriter and sometimes wish it was still acceptable to use it.
How is social media changing news?
We have taken the thirty second sound byte and turned it into 140 characters with social media. It has become less facts and more headlines.
Who's your favorite fictional journalist?
Not sure these days, I am behind on movies but if I were to guess, Chevy Chase in Fletch.
What does it mean to be a journalist?
Being a journalist is a hefty commitment to truth without bias, ethics before egos, and a simple desire to be the best at your craft.
What's the funniest news-related #hashtag you've seen?
because it is more true than funny for a hashtag.
How do you prefer to be pitched on stories?
Please pitch by phone first with email follow up or email. Please put the whole pitch in the body of the email. No links only empty ones.
What tools and software do you use to do your job?
Phone, computer, radio studio, office products.
What's your favorite social network?
Facebook. It combines all facets of social media in one.
Who do you wish followed you?
Obama, and not that he follows me, but applies the knowledge I impart.
Why did you become a journalist?
I became a journalist because I am hungry for knowledge and am good at making the sophisticated and complex simple to understand and apply.
Did you work for your high school newspaper? If so, what did you do there?
I was on my high school yearbook staff. I was the advertising editor and wrote copy and captions. By high school, I was a paid pro writer.
What story are you most proud of writing or working on?
I have done so many columns I would have to say that my column on how mortgage underwriting really works.
What advice can you offer to aspiring journalists?
The best advice I can offer to aspiring journalists is to hone your craft. Practice writing and rehearsing your content. Make it top notch.
When's the best time to pitch you?
I am available by email around the clock and in my office 8-6PST M-F
