Better in writing. Rose-colored pill since '07. Posthumous crush on Thomas Jefferson. Retired satirist. Respite, repair, #Resonance for the willing weary. #MAHA
Interview
What was your first job as a journalist?
My first paid gig in the industry was running in-studio cameras for an NBC-affiliate news station. Ask me about The Zoom of Doom.
Have you ever used a typewriter?
I took typing class on an electric typewriter. I use a 1940s model in my office for welcome notes, dinner party menus, and to amuse children.
How is social media changing news?
Real news breaks on places like Twitter and circulates organically through Facebook, etc. Mainstream journalists race to catch up. #Cairo
Who's your favorite fictional journalist?
Brian Williams.
What does it mean to be a journalist?
A real journalist finds the stories that are not receiving coverage, asks questions that are not pre-screened, and fearlessly reports truth.
What's the funniest news-related #hashtag you've seen?
#MuslimRage took a nice swing at Newsweek.
How do you prefer to be pitched on stories?
Contact me via Twitter first, then DM me details. I am @PatriotWriter. I will give you my email address if the lead sounds promising.
What tools and software do you use to do your job?
I have a World War II-era typewriter, a Mark Twain fountain pen, and a Batphone from Gotham. These are my go-to's when digital ones tire me.
What's your favorite social network?
Twitter is the least creepy and most useful. It is invaluable for research. I joined in May 2008 when you could change your handle on a whim.
Who do you wish followed you?
The #FailWhale, Sir Richard Branson, and Stephen Colbert—in no particular order. UPDATE: Branson is now following me on Twitter.
Why did you become a journalist?
While in high school, I had an "Almost Famous" style career launch when I covered the music biz for The Idaho Statesman. I tell a mean tale.
Did you work for your high school newspaper? If so, what did you do there?
I founded our high school newspaper and yearbook, so I was Editor-in-Chief for several years. We manually cut and pasted articles and photos!
What story are you most proud of writing or working on?
The bullied special ed student story because it shamed the school administrators and court system into reversing his awful court conviction.
What advice can you offer to aspiring journalists?
Decide when to insist on getting paid rather than writing for free. Have pride in your work. Break new stories. Ignore the lazy AP wire.
When's the best time to pitch you?
Just before you send your lead to anyone else is the best time to pitch me.
Would you like to take the Muck Rack Interview?
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