What was your first job as a journalist?
I got my first job as a journalist at a local newspaper. The job was great because it gave me the chance to work with people who were very experienced and knowledgeable about their subjects, and also taught me how to write in a way that would appeal to the audience.
Have you ever used a typewriter?
Yes, I have! I really loved the sound of the keys hitting the paper
How is social media changing news?
The way people get their news has changed dramatically over the past few years, and social media is responsible for much of that change. People are now able to read about current events in real-time, and they can also view images captured by professional photographers or amateurs alike.
Who's your favorite fictional journalist?
George Cragge
What does it mean to be a journalist?
A journalist is a person who gathers, writes and distributes information.
What's the funniest news-related #hashtag you've seen?
How do you prefer to be pitched on stories?
I prefer to be pitched on stories through email.
What tools and software do you use to do your job?
Microsoft word, excel, Grammarly and some others.
What's your favorite social network?
Facebook and Twitter
Who do you wish followed you?
I wish that anyone with clear intentions would follow me. I don't really care who you are or what you do, as long as you're not here to cause trouble.
Why did you become a journalist?
I became a journalist because I love to write, and I enjoy learning about the world around me.
Did you work for your high school newspaper? If so, what did you do there?
No, I didn't.
What story are you most proud of writing or working on?
I think my favorite story that I've worked on has been the "Dream interpretations" series.
What advice can you offer to aspiring journalists?
Learn how to write in different styles—you never know when you might need to write something that's less formal or more casual!
When's the best time to pitch you?
I'm always happy to hear from you, and I want to make sure you don't feel like you're interrupting my work day by sending us pitch.
What's the best pitch you ever got?
I got a pitch to write a book about how to write a book. I was so surprised!
What's the worst pitch you ever got?
I think the worst pitch I ever got was when a guy told me he was going to make me a billionaire by selling me his big idea.
What's your favorite drink?
A tea.
When you're not at a computer, where are you most likely to be?
I'm most likely to be in nature. I love being outside and seeing the trees, flowers, birds, and other animals.
I also love to meditate. It helps me clear my mind, find peace, and relax in a way that's hard to do when you're surrounded by technology all day long.
Aside from your own, what's your favorite publication to read?
I love reading the Washington Post.
What's the most common misperception about your beat?
I think the most common misperception about my beat is that it's all about the money.
It's not. Sure, there are people who are just in it for the money, but there are also tons of people who are here because they want to make a difference in their community.
