What was your first job as a journalist?
I worked as a reporter at the Pasadena Citizen, a daily newspaper outside of Houston.
Have you ever used a typewriter?
Yes, my mother could type 90+ words a minute and I played with her typewriter as a child — and used Wite-Out!
What does it mean to be a journalist?
It means asking questions about the world around us, digging in deep to find the truth, and making sense of that truth for your audience.
How do you prefer to be pitched on stories?
Via email or over coffee
What's your favorite social network?
I like Facebook for catching up with friends and family, Twitter for seeing what people are talking about and Instagram for beautiful photos.
Who do you wish followed you?
Everyone in my city and community. I don't write for famous people; I write to make a difference in my neighbors & fellow residents' lives.
Why did you become a journalist?
Because I believe the truth makes us better, and because I'm curious and love interacting with people.
Did you work for your high school newspaper? If so, what did you do there?
My high school didn't have a newspaper but I was the yearbook editor.
What advice can you offer to aspiring journalists?
Try everything to find out what you love. Start at a small publication and work hard. Listen to people and tell their stories well.
What's your favorite drink?
A margarita on the rocks with salt when I can, a lime Topo Chico when I can't
Aside from your own, what's your favorite publication to read?
Toss up between Texas Monthly and The New York Times Magazine
