What was your first job as a journalist?
Editor of an alumni magazine, so not quite journalism; then managing editor of a city magazine. First, really, was freelancing.
Have you ever used a typewriter?
oh God yes. Did you not see the gray hair? A MANUAL typewriter, followed by a fancy IBM Selectric.
How is social media changing news?
Headlines must now make sexy or jolting declarations. Attention span is gone and with it, complexity. Self-obsession rules.
Who's your favorite fictional journalist?
Not fictional but made into a movie--the Spotlight team
What tools and software do you use to do your job?
Scrivener for longform, Chat GPT4 but factchecked, good old-fashioned Gregg shorthand and a lot of steno notebooks!
Who do you wish followed you?
I'd say Rachel Aviv, Susan Orleans, Adam Gopnik, Katherine Boo--but I'd be too mortified to have them read my stuff.
Did you work for your high school newspaper? If so, what did you do there?
Nope. Nor the college paper. Majored in philosophy. Never thought I'd have the guts for journalism.
What's your favorite drink?
Champagne
When you're not at a computer, where are you most likely to be?
hiking with the dog
