What was your first job as a journalist?
I've been a journalist since I was 16. I was freelancer writer at the Detroit Free Press and had a weekly column in the Michigan Chronicle.
Have you ever used a typewriter?
Absolutely! My mom brought me my first typewriter when I was 11. I composed poetry, stories and other well-thought out gibberish on it daily.
How is social media changing news?
In every way we process ideas, concepts, news events and how we define news and people. It's quite extraordinary.
Who's your favorite fictional journalist?
Murphy Brown. She was strong. She was brilliant. But, she couldn't keep a secretary.
What does it mean to be a journalist?
To be the watchdog of government. To advocate for truth and justice, while keeping it short, simple and to the point by deadline.
What's the funniest news-related #hashtag you've seen?
which was created during the New Orleans Saints suspensions from the NFL, also termed 'bountygate". It's a New Orleans thing.
How do you prefer to be pitched on stories?
I prefer through Twitter and Google+. I find people to be more open to speaking their minds on these platforms.
What tools and software do you use to do your job?
ENPS, WorldNow, Adobe Editing Pro, social media, email, you know, the basics.
What's your favorite social network?
I love Twitter because it's awesome!
Who do you wish followed you?
Julio Iglesias. Not because he's a newsworthy person. Just because it would be fun to follow him...and for him to follow me!
Why did you become a journalist?
To provide information to enlighten and provoke thought, ideas, truth and advocacy to people to make our world a better place.
Did you work for your high school newspaper? If so, what did you do there?
Yes, I was the editor-in-chief of The Prospector newspaper at Detroit Southwestern High School.
What story are you most proud of writing or working on?
I am most proud of my breaking news coverage of slain college student Mickey Shunick at the University of Lafayette in Louisiana.
What advice can you offer to aspiring journalists?
Do your job.
