What was your first job as a journalist?
Trainee reporter on a weekly newspaper.
Have you ever used a typewriter?
Yes in my first job ....
Who's your favorite fictional journalist?
John Boy Walton
How do you prefer to be pitched on stories?
Email but don't mind the odd call if you know me.
What tools and software do you use to do your job?
Microsoft word.
What's your favorite social network?
Twitter (for finding case studies and contacting experts directly)
Who do you wish followed you?
Michelle Obama
Why did you become a journalist?
Love writing , talking to people and finding out new things that can help people.
Did you work for your high school newspaper? If so, what did you do there?
No, but I did theatre reviews for a local radio station.
What story are you most proud of writing or working on?
A story on a gut complaint that led to a book deal.
What advice can you offer to aspiring journalists?
Work hard , check everything, think how you can improve your piece before you file, find the best experts and keep coming up with ideas.
When's the best time to pitch you?
Mornings ...probably.
What's the best pitch you ever got?
Must admit they are a bit of a blur
What's the worst pitch you ever got?
Too many to list
What's your favorite drink?
Tea and wine
When you're not at a computer, where are you most likely to be?
Walking my wheaten terrier in the woods.
Aside from your own, what's your favorite publication to read?
New York Times
What's the most common misperception about your beat?
That we write about the same subjects all the time - there is always something new
