What was your first job as a journalist?
I was a new staffer at my high school magazine, writing on topics ranging from coverage of my local town to television and film reviews.
Have you ever used a typewriter?
Yes, I have an old antique I keep in my room. Sometimes I'll type away on it when I have fresh thoughts about a story or idea.
Who's your favorite fictional journalist?
Rita Skeeter. Her magic pen was the original version of otter.ai.
How do you prefer to be pitched on stories?
I prefer to be pitched stories via email.
What tools and software do you use to do your job?
I mostly use my computer, a transcription service and a good-old fashioned reporter's notebook.
Who do you wish followed you?
I wish Mark Hamill followed me on Twitter. I think we would talk Star Wars and politics to oblivion.
Why did you become a journalist?
To help fill an information vacuum that is ever-expanding.
Did you work for your high school newspaper? If so, what did you do there?
At my high school newspaper/magazine, I was both a staffer and our online editor.
What advice can you offer to aspiring journalists?
The best advice I would give is to write or produce as much as you can. The best way to learn as a young journalist is to go report.
When's the best time to pitch you?
The best time to pitch me is in the morning.
What's the best pitch you ever got?
I was once told that a former Northwestern professor was an alien fanatic. It wound up being one of the best stories I've ever edited.
What's the worst pitch you ever got?
I have never received a horrible pitch.
What's your favorite drink?
Cherry Coca-Cola hands down.
When you're not at a computer, where are you most likely to be?
I'm most likely to be relaxing with friends or a good book.
