What was your first job as a journalist?
Fronting up to a disgruntled Police chief. Fun.
Have you ever used a typewriter?
Sure - hasn't everyone been to a museum?
How is social media changing news?
Often people are making news, even before they realise it's news.
Who's your favorite fictional journalist?
Bridget Jones of course
What does it mean to be a journalist?
You're responsible for bringing stories to life.
What's the funniest news-related #hashtag you've seen?
Too many to single out just one (can you tell I'm getting bored with these questions...)
How do you prefer to be pitched on stories?
Provide me with as much detail as possible - comms by email.
What tools and software do you use to do your job?
My gorgeous Huawei cell, Lumix camera, trusty laptop and my ever present notebook.
What's your favorite social network?
Facebook
Who do you wish followed you?
No one - blaze your own path baby.
Why did you become a journalist?
As a naturally nosy human being, journalism provides a legit vehicle for me to explore places and people. It's my job - someone's got to do !
Did you work for your high school newspaper? If so, what did you do there?
No - too busy being the news.
What story are you most proud of writing or working on?
Wild and white - Antarctica. A major piece of work which involved meticulous planning, guts and determination.
What advice can you offer to aspiring journalists?
If you feel like giving up, you're probably not made of tough enough stuff.
When's the best time to pitch you?
Now.
What's the best pitch you ever got?
A relentless approach from my son as to why I should take him to Antarctica!
What's the worst pitch you ever got?
There's never been a bad one.
What's your favorite drink?
Anything sweet and sparkly served up in a new destination.
When you're not at a computer, where are you most likely to be?
Running somewhere. I use that term very loosely...
Aside from your own, what's your favorite publication to read?
Absolutely anything travel related.
What's the most common misperception about your beat?
I don't use twitter.
