What was your first job as a journalist?
Copydesk intern at The Baltimore News-American
Have you ever used a typewriter?
Of course.
How is social media changing news?
It's got more mistakes.
Who's your favorite fictional journalist?
Hildy Johnson, His Girl Friday
What does it mean to be a journalist?
We're an endangered species.
How do you prefer to be pitched on stories?
Anytime, by email.
What tools and software do you use to do your job?
Word, Mac laptop, internet.
What's your favorite social network?
Facebook.
Who do you wish followed you?
Rachel Maddow
Why did you become a journalist?
High school paper, college paper, intern at daily newspaper, sportswriter.
Did you work for your high school newspaper? If so, what did you do there?
Yes. Sports editor.
What story are you most proud of writing or working on?
Lots. And I'm sure there will be more.
What advice can you offer to aspiring journalists?
Don't work for free.
When's the best time to pitch you?
Anytime, via email.
What's the best pitch you ever got?
You can ride an elephant if you cover the South Carolina State Fair.
What's the worst pitch you ever got?
From an agent pitching me a novel about a lesbian serial killer.
What's your favorite drink?
Manhattan, up with a twist.
When you're not at a computer, where are you most likely to be?
Hanging out in my neighborhood or at the theater.
Aside from your own, what's your favorite publication to read?
Defector, Atlas Obscura
What's the most common misperception about your beat?
I stopped thinking about that long ago.
