What was your first job as a journalist?
I've been writing since the 1970s for corporate marketing and training but the first invitation came in 2011 to write for a 5 star, #1 blog.
Have you ever used a typewriter?
In reality, my handwriting sucks mainly because I was given a typewriter in grade school and that was my substitute. I'd even make a poor Dr.
How is social media changing news?
Too many opinions can confuse things and the proliferation of fake news hides or distorts the facts. It's instant but not always reality.
Who's your favorite fictional journalist?
For me without question, Nelson Demille. I first found him in the 90's on vacation in HI. I spent the next two weeks reading 5 of his works.
What does it mean to be a journalist?
It used to mean finding the facts and reporting the news. Lately it has become a partisan participant in swaying public opinion. Not its job.
What's the funniest news-related #hashtag you've seen?
- a friend sent it and whether it was real or not is to be determined but...it was .
How do you prefer to be pitched on stories?
A simple straight forward email inquiry with some facts and justifications and then.... we'll see if it fits.
What tools and software do you use to do your job?
A phone, email and my word processor. I want a first hand contact and then email follow up allowing them time to develop their thoughts.
What's your favorite social network?
I really don't have one. I've been in FaceBook jail 12 of the last 13 months for thoughts and Twitter has its own problems with censorship.
Who do you wish followed you?
I love putting out information, so anyone that benefits is important to me. Having the occasional president or high profile journalist adds!
Why did you become a journalist?
it was a diversion from the more structured world I work in. It started as a hobby and is growing into a fascinating participation of history
Did you work for your high school newspaper? If so, what did you do there?
No. I've written corporate marketing materials for decades but started to spread my written opinions in 2011. It's educational & interesting.
What story are you most proud of writing or working on?
I think my intelligence insiders series including former Asst. FBI Director, a CIA operative framed by the CIA, FBI and NSA whistleblowers.
What advice can you offer to aspiring journalists?
Write on things that are of INTEREST or IMPORTANT to you and others. Be factual with a broad view. Don't write for the sake of just writing.
When's the best time to pitch you?
I'm usually around anytime so when the word comes in, I'm probably available or flexible. Every situation is unique and considered as such.
What's the best pitch you ever got?
The request came to "sort of" look into the intelligence community and see what was ticking. That started my series of NSA, FBI, CIA insiders
What's the worst pitch you ever got?
I've never had an assignment or request I didn't find challenging or interesting.
What's your favorite drink?
In Arizona you battle 110+ summer heat. By the pool or at the desk, ice tea fills my bill without overly sugary sweet or alcoholic influences
When you're not at a computer, where are you most likely to be?
I still produce marketing and media materials for corporate clients so unless there's a beach nearby, I'm probably on location working.
Aside from your own, what's your favorite publication to read?
I tend to want a diversion from anything work/social/political related so I find an unread DeMille to jump into. Charm School anyone?
What's the most common misperception about your beat?
Some expect a particular partisan view of the subject or interview. Mine are fact based and the chips fall where they fall regardless. FACTS!
