What was your first job as a journalist?
My media career began in 2010 between missions in Afghanistan as a beat editor for the Yahoo Contributor Network.
Have you ever used a typewriter?
YES!!!
How is social media changing news?
Social media is changing news in that many times the headline IS the news...there is no meat.
Who's your favorite fictional journalist?
Robert Ludlum
What does it mean to be a journalist?
Factual storytelling, maintaining journalistic integrity, and informing the reader with straightforward and impactful commentary.
What's the funniest news-related #hashtag you've seen?
How do you prefer to be pitched on stories?
Personalized email is best with a clear subject line and a to-the-point opener.
What tools and software do you use to do your job?
I use a MacBook Pro, many of the applications in the Adobe CS6, Final Cut Pro, Logic Pro, my cell phone of course and my voice!
What's your favorite social network?
Twitter...it makes one get to the point
Who do you wish followed you?
Well, he is not alive now but if he were, Howard Cosell.
Why did you become a journalist?
I became a journalist because I found that instead of friends, I had words and the ability to tell a story with truth and integrity.
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?
My exclusive look at the intimate Oprah Winfrey and Angela Bassett conversation for OWN Spotlight. Courtesy of the Oprah Winfrey Network.
What advice can you offer to aspiring journalists?
Study your craft, be an expert in your niche, and read as much as you can from the top journalists in every field.
When's the best time to pitch you?
Mornings
What's the best pitch you ever got?
Hi my name is...and I've admired your work for quite some time now. I read your piece with George Clinton and would love to work with you.
What's the worst pitch you ever got?
Play my *ish
What's your favorite drink?
I'll take the fifth...of Makers Mark
When you're not at a computer, where are you most likely to be?
On a red carpet or at an event
Aside from your own, what's your favorite publication to read?
Billboard
What's the most common misperception about your beat?
Most common misconception is that because they think it's great, I should give them a cover.
