What was your first job as a journalist?
Classical music critic and reporter, St. Paul Pioneer Press. Before that I was a reporter for my college paper.
Have you ever used a typewriter?
My mom was a typist, and when I was 3 I was obsessed: the noise, the keys, the smell. It's how I learned to spell and type. (Thanks, Mom!)
How is social media changing news?
In a noisy environment where very little sticks, it's hugely important to be even more responsible, excellent, consistent, and transparent.
Who's your favorite fictional journalist?
Charlie Skinner
What does it mean to be a journalist?
Listening and looking deeply. Being workmanlike. Valuing accuracy and excellence, mastering speed. Serving readers by telling them the truth.
What's the funniest news-related #hashtag you've seen?
I try not to remember hashtags.
How do you prefer to be pitched on stories?
Straightforward. I want to hear the idea, why it matters, how it fits into the publication, and why it makes sense to do it now.
What tools and software do you use to do your job?
All of them. But I really like Tableau, Asana, and Google Docs.
What's your favorite social network?
tumblr. It's a bastion of innocence, beauty, and friendly support. (shhhh...)
Why did you become a journalist?
To discover and be a witness to the truth in a world in which too many put fear and power ahead of compassion and the safety of others.
Did you work for your high school newspaper? If so, what did you do there?
My high school eliminated its newspaper at the beginning of the first year I would've been eligible. I like to think they saw me coming. ;)
What story are you most proud of writing or working on?
Wire story we ran in LA about a WV mine collapse. I knew early reports were wrong, so I held it so we could properly honor 12 miners who died
What advice can you offer to aspiring journalists?
What you do matters. Keep going.
When's the best time to pitch you?
Friday afternoon
What's your favorite drink?
Blackberry seltzer water
When you're not at a computer, where are you most likely to be?
In a dance studio or on a hiking trail
Aside from your own, what's your favorite publication to read?
The Believer
What's the most common misperception about your beat?
That it's glamorous
