What was your first job as a journalist?
Interview musicians for a small independent publication called The Naked Dwarf
Have you ever used a typewriter?
Yes, a long time ago. My grandparents had an old typewriter that I would use when I was a kid
How is social media changing news?
It has created an echo chamber and stifled debate and probably created more bias news reporting
Who's your favorite fictional journalist?
Clarke Kent
What does it mean to be a journalist?
Under appreciated, under paid, but satisfied
What's the funniest news-related #hashtag you've seen?
I can't recall any that have made me giggle, but I'm sure there's been some. My most commonly used one is
How do you prefer to be pitched on stories?
Via e-mail
What tools and software do you use to do your job?
Adobe, Canva and Microsoft products
What's your favorite social network?
Twitter
Who do you wish followed you?
My mum
Why did you become a journalist?
I wanted to write about music
Did you work for your high school newspaper? If so, what did you do there?
No, my high school didn't even have a newspaper
What story are you most proud of writing or working on?
The BP oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico, it was my introduction to reporting on the oil patch and it was exhausting, but got me hooked
What advice can you offer to aspiring journalists?
Embrace the grind
When's the best time to pitch you?
In the morning
What's the best pitch you ever got?
Would you like to fly on a private jet? The only catch is it's to report on an experimental jet fuel we are creating...
What's the worst pitch you ever got?
Would you like to report on a new fuelling station we are opening? It's tomorrow morning and you have to drive 16 hours to get there
What's your favorite drink?
Whisky
When you're not at a computer, where are you most likely to be?
On my phone!
Aside from your own, what's your favorite publication to read?
nPhoto
What's the most common misperception about your beat?
It's boring
