What was your first job as a journalist?
Wrote an article on a boxer while in college for The Daily Progress in Charlottesville, Va. I read it once in a van, never saw it again.
Have you ever used a typewriter?
Yes. Learned how to type on one. Still like to pull one out and just type sometimes.
How is social media changing news?
Greater access, but also the expectation of "free."
Who's your favorite fictional journalist?
Hildy Johnson
What does it mean to be a journalist?
Telling the truth the best way possible.
What's the funniest news-related #hashtag you've seen?
How do you prefer to be pitched on stories?
In writing. With detail.
What tools and software do you use to do your job?
Adobe Suite, Microsoft Suite and all social media tools you can think of...
What's your favorite social network?
myspace
Who do you wish followed you?
Pam Grier (who does!), Ben Nichols (lead singer of Lucero), Noam Chomsky, Steve Buscemi, John Cusack, Michelle Obama
Why did you become a journalist?
Where else can you tell a different story every day of your life?
Did you work for your high school newspaper? If so, what did you do there?
Nope. Wasn't "cool" enough.
What story are you most proud of writing or working on?
My columns from 2013-2015, which allowed me to be named best sports columnist in N.C. 2 years in a row.
What advice can you offer to aspiring journalists?
Never stop. Never be afraid to ask a stupid question. Fact check like your life depends on it. Never go with just one source.
When's the best time to pitch you?
In the afternoon. I have a 3-year-old son. He naps, sometimes, then...
What's the best pitch you ever got?
He struck out Joe DiMaggio, now he's working at Wal-mart. You want to talk to him?
What's the worst pitch you ever got?
It'll be fun!
What's your favorite drink?
Redbreast pot still whiskey or a cold Lone Star
When you're not at a computer, where are you most likely to be?
Outside. The world is too big not to go out and look at it.
Aside from your own, what's your favorite publication to read?
Vintage issues of Sports Illustrated. Washington Post. The Economist.
What's the most common misperception about your beat?
That I root for a team, political party, or company. I don't. I report the facts, I write about them well, and I hope you enjoy it/learn.
