Some people call me the "Word Grinder." Award-winning writer | #AlfalfaBook author | #litterchallenge I play a lot of #pickleball. Opinions are my own.
Interview
What was your first job as a journalist?
After college, I was an assistant editor at four small trade publications
Have you ever used a typewriter?
Of course. :)
How is social media changing news?
It's bringing in a lot of questionable sources that make some readers question the validity of journalism, which is scary.
Who's your favorite fictional journalist?
E.K. Hornbeck
What does it mean to be a journalist?
It means you get to learn about new things all the time.
What's the funniest news-related #hashtag you've seen?
Can't think of any off-hand.
How do you prefer to be pitched on stories?
Email works
What tools and software do you use to do your job?
Word, WordPress, the World Wide Web, etc.
What's your favorite social network?
Twitter
Who do you wish followed you?
Mel Brooks!
Why did you become a journalist?
In high school, I read "Inherit the Wind," and I was captivated by the E. K. Hornbeck character and wanted to be like H.L. Mencken.
Did you work for your high school newspaper? If so, what did you do there?
Yes, I was a writer
What story are you most proud of writing or working on?
Recently, I'd have to say my COVID-19 technology coverage
What advice can you offer to aspiring journalists?
You have to develop a "Spidey" sense that tells you when something just doesn't seem right so you can dig deeper.
When's the best time to pitch you?
I don't think there's a best or worst time really.
What's the best pitch you ever got?
I'd have to say to attend an Economist event. It was an amazing conference, and I was able to interview so many thought leaders.
What's the worst pitch you ever got?
The bad ones don't really stick with me, sorry.
What's your favorite drink?
I love a Coke in a glass bottle, but I try not to drink it too often.
When you're not at a computer, where are you most likely to be?
It's COVID times, so my house?!
Aside from your own, what's your favorite publication to read?
Not sure I have a favorite. I enjoy good writing wherever it comes from.
What's the most common misperception about your beat?
Let me ponder that one.
Would you like to take the Muck Rack Interview?
Create a Muck Rack profile.