Norene Cashen
Sterling Heights
Covers:
arts, culture, literature, mental health, positive psychology, health, healthcare, coaching, therapy, counseling, self-care, meditation.
Interview
What was your first job as a journalist?
Writing the "Good Neighbor" column at a city newspaper.
Have you ever used a typewriter?
I actually had typing class in high school, way before they used typewriter keys to make jewelry.
How is social media changing news?
It's making it smaller and faster.
Who's your favorite fictional journalist?
Clark Kent
What does it mean to be a journalist?
To ask a lot of questions.
What's the funniest news-related #hashtag you've seen?
How do you prefer to be pitched on stories?
Give me something that will make the world a better place, and I'll run with it.
What tools and software do you use to do your job?
Microsoft Office Suite
What's your favorite social network?
No preference
Who do you wish followed you?
The Great Gazoo
Why did you become a journalist?
Accidentally.
Did you work for your high school newspaper? If so, what did you do there?
I was the yearbook editor. We didn't have a newspaper.
What story are you most proud of writing or working on?
Getting age-positive about embracing aging for AARP's "The Ethel."
What advice can you offer to aspiring journalists?
Be honest, be curious and be respectful.
When's the best time to pitch you?
Weekends. That's when I forget how busy I am.
What's the best pitch you ever got?
Pass
What's the worst pitch you ever got?
To write about a city council meeting that centered on a fight over a tree.
What's your favorite drink?
Coffee with a shot of coffee.
When you're not at a computer, where are you most likely to be?
Outside
Aside from your own, what's your favorite publication to read?
Slate
What's the most common misperception about your beat?
That anyone can give reliable mental health advice.
Would you like to take the Muck Rack Interview?
Create a Muck Rack profile.