What was your first job as a journalist?
A contributor for a local newspaper. I loved it! The fast-paced environment, the buzz of activity, I felt truly alive.
Have you ever used a typewriter?
Yes a long, long time ago.
How is social media changing news?
It's making it become more accessible and instant.
Who's your favorite fictional journalist?
The fun answer would be Carrie Bradshaw. What can I say I'm a Sex and the City fan.
What does it mean to be a journalist?
I can fulfill my passion for writing.
How do you prefer to be pitched on stories?
An email which is clear and concise is great. A descriptive title, press release and pictures if relevant is ideal.
What tools and software do you use to do your job?
Content mangement systems, news feeds and Photoshop.
What's your favorite social network?
Twitter - it may be quick fire but it's fun. It's also a great way for breaking stories to cause an impact immediately.
Who do you wish followed you?
Everyone! It's always good when people think you have a finger on the pulse but my Tweets can be fluffy so anyone who is happen to listen.
Why did you become a journalist?
Because I love to write. I was creating magazines as a teenager and never lost the buzz.
Did you work for your high school newspaper? If so, what did you do there?
No we didn't have such a thing when I was growing up in the UK.
What story are you most proud of writing or working on?
Completing the first draft of my novel. It's always the hardest thing to do but once you get past that first hurdle, it gets easier.
What advice can you offer to aspiring journalists?
Learn from your peers - listen, take on board any negative comments and learn from it, and never be afraid to ask.
When's the best time to pitch you?
Anytime suits me. If it's a good idea, I'm ready to listen.
