What was your first job as a journalist?
List writer at TheGamer.
Have you ever used a typewriter?
Once! I have a friend who is obsessed with typewriters and fountain pens. They're a lot harder to use than I thought they would be.
How is social media changing news?
It's easier than ever to reach out to people for comments.
Who's your favorite fictional journalist?
Nardwuar. I know he's real but he feels like he shouldn't be.
What does it mean to be a journalist?
Uncovering the things PR would rather you didn't.
What's the funniest news-related #hashtag you've seen?
None that I recall.
How do you prefer to be pitched on stories?
Email.
What tools and software do you use to do your job?
Trello, Google Docs and Sheets, and GIMP.
What's your favorite social network?
Twitter.
Who do you wish followed you?
Everyone. That way I'd get all that sweet, sweet PPV.
Why did you become a journalist?
I wanted to combine my love of writing and video games. Also, I really hate not being able to afford rent and food.
Did you work for your high school newspaper? If so, what did you do there?
My Uni one. Wrote opinion pieces and reviews on music, film, TV, and video games.
What story are you most proud of writing or working on?
A joint report on the cancellation of the Six Major in Saudi Arabia. Felt great to collaborate on something important.
What advice can you offer to aspiring journalists?
Spend time pitching well-paying outlets and write broadly.
When's the best time to pitch you?
Monday-Friday.
What's the best pitch you ever got?
No idea.
What's the worst pitch you ever got?
Any that are weirdly sexist.
What's your favorite drink?
Rum and coke with lime.
When you're not at a computer, where are you most likely to be?
Feeding my guinea pigs.
Aside from your own, what's your favorite publication to read?
Hard Drive.
What's the most common misperception about your beat?
People think all we do is play video games all day. It helps to tell them I only get paid for the writing, not the playing.
