What was your first job as a journalist?
Writing for my university's newspaper. I covered our "12-hour play" evening, where students had 12 hours to fully produce a play.
Have you ever used a typewriter?
Yes. I was given a typewriter as a Christmas present when I was a child. I remember using it, but I can't remember what I wrote.
How is social media changing news?
Social media is making news more easily and widely accessible. Things that may not have made the news in the past become big news today.
Who's your favorite fictional journalist?
Will McAvoy. I was really sad when "The Newsroom" was cancelled. I also love Mary Jane from "Being Mary Jane". She's fun!
What does it mean to be a journalist?
It's important because we find the information the public should know and share it truthfully. We also help people tell their own stories.
What's the funniest news-related #hashtag you've seen?
How do you prefer to be pitched on stories?
Email or a phone call are best.
What tools and software do you use to do your job?
Microsoft Word, tape recorder/phone/ipad for recording interviews, paper and pencil
What's your favorite social network?
Twitter
Who do you wish followed you?
Stephen King
Why did you become a journalist?
I like telling people's stories.
Did you work for your high school newspaper? If so, what did you do there?
We didn't have a high school newspaper. I worked for my university newspaper, however. I wrote for and edited the Variety and Op/Ed sections.
What story are you most proud of writing or working on?
"A delectable feast for the senses" published in UWI Today, Feb 2012. I was able to achieve exactly what I wanted with that article.
What advice can you offer to aspiring journalists?
Read!
When's the best time to pitch you?
Monday to Friday, 7am to 3pm would be best for the quickest reply. I check my email regularly, however, so anytime is fine.
What's the best pitch you ever got?
"How would you like to write a series of articles on Trinidad and Tobago's chocolate?"
What's the worst pitch you ever got?
I haven't gotten it yet.
What's your favorite drink?
A flavourful dry red wine.
When you're not at a computer, where are you most likely to be?
In bed with a book or spending time with friends.
Aside from your own, what's your favorite publication to read?
National Geographic, MACO Caribbean Living
What's the most common misperception about your beat?
I really don't know of any.
