What was your first job as a journalist?
I was a freelance from the start, and I've spent more time freelancing than on staff over my life. Suits me.
Have you ever used a typewriter?
Yes. I took typing in high school and carried a manual Olivetti to college here and in England. Actually miss typewriters.
Who's your favorite fictional journalist?
Lois Lane.
What does it mean to be a journalist?
It means you get to stick your nose in other people's business and gossip about it for your living.
How do you prefer to be pitched on stories?
Editors are always welcome to email me.
Why did you become a journalist?
Accidentally. I wanted to be a Writer, whatever that was, and didn't think journalism was for me. Turned out reporting answers all things.
Did you work for your high school newspaper? If so, what did you do there?
Nope. Not college, neither.
What advice can you offer to aspiring journalists?
Find something you care about deeply and a place to contribute pieces about that, whether for pay or not AT FIRST.
When's the best time to pitch you?
What is time?
What's the worst pitch you ever got?
The tide of crap that comes from undifferentiated email blasts that have nothing to do with my experience, skill set, or interests.
What's your favorite drink?
Scotch.
When you're not at a computer, where are you most likely to be?
Hiking, playing music, or reading. Now also, constantly, volunteering to save the nation.
What's the most common misperception about your beat?
That it's a beat. I'm a generalist. Which SHOULD be a beat, and used to be. But those days are mostly gone.
