What was your first job as a journalist?
My first "job" was writing for a now-defunct online publication during my freshman year of college. First legit job was freelancing for BND.
Have you ever used a typewriter?
I have! I used to make my own newspapers as a kid on my parents' old typewriter. I loved it.
How is social media changing news?
It's really given a whole new meaning to the term "breaking news." Social media lets anyone be a real-time reporter.
Who's your favorite fictional journalist?
Lois Lane (Cop out answer? I don't know. I have a soft spot for comics.)
What does it mean to be a journalist?
To use the power of the press wisely and share stories that matter to someone; to present facts for others to form their own opinions.
How do you prefer to be pitched on stories?
Email, hands down. Please, please don't cold call me to pitch a story. I need to be able to read and process at my own pace.
What tools and software do you use to do your job?
Office 365, Google Drive, Tweetdeck, Shutterstock, Paint.net (the B+ free Photoshop, for those of you who don't know). See also: iPhone/iPad.
What's your favorite social network?
I love Twitter for sharing links, random thoughts and petty complaints about life. But I think Instagram is my favorite.
Who do you wish followed you?
Emma Stone. I really just want to be friends with her.
Why did you become a journalist?
Writing was my first love. I'm fascinated by the myriad ways words can be strung together to tell stories and share experiences.
Did you work for your high school newspaper? If so, what did you do there?
Yep! I was a staff writer, and became an editor my senior year. People only cared about the paper when we wrote about school sports though...
What story are you most proud of writing or working on?
I really love my "media relations" pieces on LinkedIn, but my very favorite story is "Career Lessons from RuPaul's Drag Race" (see portfolio)
What advice can you offer to aspiring journalists?
Freelance. It doesn't always pay well, but it's a great way to build experience (and pocket change) while you're in school.
When's the best time to pitch you?
In the morning, before I get going on my stories for the day. It's hard when I have to break my focus to read pitches later.
