What was your first job as a journalist?
I was a features writer for a small-city magazine in 2009 and had no idea what I was doing.
Have you ever used a typewriter?
Yes, I love typewriters! I have 3 of them, but someday I want a really old one that actually works well still. We are spoiled with computers.
Who's your favorite fictional journalist?
Andy Sachs from The Devil Wears Prada. She didn't get to be a journalist for the magazine, but she stood up for what she believed in.
What does it mean to be a journalist?
To bring the truth to light, to share stories, and to connect people from around the world in ways they didn't realize they could connect.
What's the funniest news-related #hashtag you've seen?
I loved the MPR raccoon – plus it was in my city.
How do you prefer to be pitched on stories?
Through email. I prefer to use social media for more personal connections to set boundaries on when people contact me for work.
What tools and software do you use to do your job?
I use Apple products daily for reporting: iMac, MacBook Pro and iPad mini 4. I have a Sony a7 for photojournalism gigs.
What's your favorite social network?
Instagram - I love the absence of drama and the rise of inspiration. Twitter is my second choice.
Did you work for your high school newspaper? If so, what did you do there?
Nope, my high school unfortunately didn't have a newspaper. I was the Editor-in-Chief of my college newspaper though.
What advice can you offer to aspiring journalists?
Get work published, but also read others work who are great writers and see how you can improve your own pieces. Put writing first.
What's your favorite drink?
La Croix (I was a La Croix fan for decades...I didn't just jump on the bandwagon).
When you're not at a computer, where are you most likely to be?
Out wandering through the woods with my camera, checking out cool shops in the city, or couching it with movies and video games.
Aside from your own, what's your favorite publication to read?
National Geographic, Transworld Snowboarding and Vanity Fair's The Hive.
What's the most common misperception about your beat?
People tend to think all I do is play video games and write about them. When in reality, I mainly write breaking news and its very different!
