What was your first job as a journalist?
I wrote short social media posts for freelance clients. It was also the first time I got paid for my writing.
Have you ever used a typewriter?
Yes. It brings a different feeling to the writing experience, with each click meaning a story moves forward.
How is social media changing news?
It makes news more accessible, but this also means that what's real and what isn't can get lost, causing rumors to spread.
Who's your favorite fictional journalist?
Andie Anderson from "How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days."
What does it mean to be a journalist?
It means sharing different points of view in a truthful and organized way.
What's the funniest news-related #hashtag you've seen?
was pretty funny, but it was also nice to see people online come together in a time of need.
How do you prefer to be pitched on stories?
Through email. That way, all the details can be clearly stated and explained.
What tools and software do you use to do your job?
Depending on the type of content I write, I use Google, academic journals (like JSTOR), SEO tools, and proofreading for final touches.
What's your favorite social network?
YouTube. It might be considered old-fashioned, but it offers a mix of videos and music.
Who do you wish followed you?
Some of my favorite filmmakers. It would mean a lot to me if they saw my writing.
Why did you become a journalist?
Writing has been my passion for as long as I can remember. So, when I had the opportunity to write for a living, it was an easy choice.
Did you work for your high school newspaper? If so, what did you do there?
We only had a high school newspaper for the last semester of my senior year. I wrote two pieces: both about coral reefs and sea life.
What story are you most proud of writing or working on?
I wrote a series of articles on nutrition for people of all ages for a client. It was a great educational experience with fun time writing.
What advice can you offer to aspiring journalists?
Keep writing. And then write some more. It's more important than you think, even if no one reads the initial stuff you write.
When's the best time to pitch you?
All times of the day. I love reading new pitches as they come in.
What's the best pitch you ever got?
I've received a lot of pitches from independent filmmakers wanting to promote their movies. These are my favorite.
What's the worst pitch you ever got?
Pitches that are self-promoting without any actual information that's helpful to others.
What's your favorite drink?
Iced green tea with lemon slices and mint leaves. It's best when it's homemade.
When you're not at a computer, where are you most likely to be?
Reading a book or cooking something delicious.
Aside from your own, what's your favorite publication to read?
Psychology Today and other science-based publications.
What's the most common misperception about your beat?
That there's no integrity left in journalism.
