What was your first job as a journalist?
Interestingly, I was hired to write an opinion column for a small paper, and everything grew from there.
Have you ever used a typewriter?
Actually, I have. Many times. But I was lucky, my father bought my sister and me Macs when they came out in the mid 1980s.
How is social media changing news?
Incredibly. The dissemination is now instant. Everyone is now a news creator.
What does it mean to be a journalist?
Everything. It's an important calling, that comes with a tremendous responsibility. I believe in it.
How do you prefer to be pitched on stories?
By email.
What tools and software do you use to do your job?
My Mac and my Fuji X-T2. I use Lightroom, as well as Scrivener. Those four tools are critical to my life.
What's your favorite social network?
Historically, Facebook. But I'm loving the singular focus of Instagram. It's much more quiet.
Who do you wish followed you?
President Obama.
Why did you become a journalist?
I love to write and photograph--it just became a natural fit. The need for transparency is what keeps me motivated. I hate lies.
Did you work for your high school newspaper? If so, what did you do there?
I did not. I only got involved in the news as a second career. Looking back, I certainly wish I had been, as I love working in the news.
What advice can you offer to aspiring journalists?
Be as useful as you can. Learn things like photography, video, video editing...and learn to code. Coding is incredibly important.
When's the best time to pitch you?
I'm all news all the time. 24/7/365.
What's the best pitch you ever got?
An historic building was going to be torn down to make way for a new building The story was important, and ultimately the building was saved.
Aside from your own, what's your favorite publication to read?
The New York Times. No question.
What's the most common misperception about your beat?
Before becoming the Director of R&D at Straus News, I covered a small area of in northeastern Pennsylvania--but it was always busy with news.
