Heidi Roth
(She/Her)
Washington
Covers:
food, chefs, farmers and growers, food systems, farming, climate, culinary experiences
Passionate about the intersection of food and sustainability, I'm dedicated to exploring and sharing stories about food systems and food equity.
Interview
What was your first job as a journalist?
I started assisting the editor of a fishing magazine - he wrote all his content longhand and I had to type it all. It was brutal.
Have you ever used a typewriter?
YES! I took a brand-new electric typewriter to college my freshman year.
How is social media changing news?
I feel like people no longer want to be "just" informed - they want to be entertained, which is what social media does so well. I'd like to .
Who's your favorite fictional journalist?
Louis Lane
What's the funniest news-related #hashtag you've seen?
Honestly, I have no idea
How do you prefer to be pitched on stories?
Via email
What tools and software do you use to do your job?
I'm an online tool junkie. I use Google Docs and Evernote for writing content, and I use Otter for interviewing.
What's your favorite social network?
Instagram
Who do you wish followed you?
Eve Andrews and Brooke Jackson-Glidden
Why did you become a journalist?
Joan got it right: "We tell ourselves stories in order to live." Writing about other people gets me out of my head.
Did you work for your high school newspaper? If so, what did you do there?
Yes, I wrote features and did layout.
What story are you most proud of writing or working on?
My article with Ambrook on social care farming.
What advice can you offer to aspiring journalists?
Publish. Post your content even if it's not 100% perfect (but be sure you get your facts straight). Don't let perfect be the enemy of good.
When's the best time to pitch you?
In the evening.
What's the best pitch you ever got?
I'm a late bloomer. I have yet to actually be pitched, but I pitch all the time ;)
What's the worst pitch you ever got?
Haven't received a bad pitch yet (see previous answer).
What's your favorite drink?
Old fashioned
When you're not at a computer, where are you most likely to be?
Headed to my favorite restaurant (or hunting down what I hope will be my new favorite restaurant) or spending time outdoors.
Aside from your own, what's your favorite publication to read?
Loving Ambrook Research right now and Portland Monthly.
What's the most common misperception about your beat?
Because I write a lot about food, I eat all day.
Would you like to take the Muck Rack Interview?
Create a Muck Rack profile.