What was your first job as a journalist?
writing a theater column for a now-defunct Chicago newspaper.
Have you ever used a typewriter?
Yes
How is social media changing news?
Everything's faster.
Who's your favorite fictional journalist?
Lois Lane
What does it mean to be a journalist?
A journalist tells true stories.
What's the funniest news-related #hashtag you've seen?
I can't remember right now. The capital is being invaded by Trump supporters.
How do you prefer to be pitched on stories?
By email.
What tools and software do you use to do your job?
Microsoft Word, Zoom, email.
What's your favorite social network?
Twitter
Who do you wish followed you?
I'm happy with the followers I have.
Why did you become a journalist?
I like talking to people and I like telling stories.
Did you work for your high school newspaper? If so, what did you do there?
No.
What story are you most proud of writing or working on?
Guillermo del Toro (Fast Company), Kathy Griffin (New York Times), Barry Jenkins (L.A. Times) and Las Vegas architecture (L.A. Weekly)
What advice can you offer to aspiring journalists?
Follow your curiosity, do your homework and stay loose.
When's the best time to pitch you?
any time via email.
What's the best pitch you ever got?
Many strong pitches, butI don't need that much convincing if the timing, subject matter and tone (friendly) is in my wheelhouse.
What's the worst pitch you ever got?
Burial insurance.
What's your favorite drink?
Coffee. By a long shot.
When you're not at a computer, where are you most likely to be?
walking the dog or recording music in the laundry room.
Aside from your own, what's your favorite publication to read?
New York magazine
What's the most common misperception about your beat?
The PR people I deal with don't bother me with misperceptions.
