What was your first job as a journalist?
Writing television lists for Comic Book Resources.
Have you ever used a typewriter?
No, I wish I had. The sound of the keys is SO satisfying.
How is social media changing news?
Social media definitely provides more access to the news, but it also makes it harder to discern fact from fiction. It's a very fine line.
Who's your favorite fictional journalist?
Definitely Murphy Brown. When a television character can smash enough stereotypes to upset a Vice President, you're onto something.
What does it mean to be a journalist?
I think being a journalist means never being afraid to confront the editorial truth, even if it challenges your personal truth.
What's the funniest news-related #hashtag you've seen?
I'm a bit of an old soul -- hashtags aren't something I track closely.
How do you prefer to be pitched on stories?
Email is easiest -- I check it a billion times per day.
What tools and software do you use to do your job?
Word Press, Slack, and all things Google.
What's your favorite social network?
Instagram, for sure. Pictures truly are worth a thousand words.
Who do you wish followed you?
You!
Why did you become a journalist?
I've always had something to say -- I was one of those kids who started talking very early and just never stopped.
Did you work for your high school newspaper? If so, what did you do there?
I was too busy being a cashier in high school to work on the newspaper, unfortunately.
What story are you most proud of writing or working on?
Every story is equally well-loved, since I'm still early in my career. I'm thankful for every byline I have.
What advice can you offer to aspiring journalists?
Second-guessing is the enemy of getting to where you want to be. So is comparing yourself to anyone else.
When's the best time to pitch you?
Anytime, really, but I am at my most responsive first thing in the morning.
What's the best pitch you ever got?
I can't say I think of pitches in these terms, if I'm honest.
What's the worst pitch you ever got?
I can't say there's a "worst" pitch -- only ideas that weren't fully realized.
What's your favorite drink?
Iced coffee of almost any variety, as long as it doesn't come from Starbucks.
When you're not at a computer, where are you most likely to be?
Under the biggest blanket I can find with an iced coffee in hand and a cat in my lap.
Aside from your own, what's your favorite publication to read?
Funny enough, I prefer good old-fashioned fiction when it comes to reading. We all need a break from reality sometimes.
What's the most common misperception about your beat?
Celebrity news is often seen as fluffy, and sometimes it is. But there are some excellent human angles to explore.
