What was your first job as a journalist?
Working for my towns local newspaper
Have you ever used a typewriter?
Yes!
How is social media changing news?
This hasn’t changed the way they come across news stories. It has actually changed the way we consume it. We don't rely on paper newspapers.
Who's your favorite fictional journalist?
Rita Skeeter, from the Harry Potter series
What does it mean to be a journalist?
Journalism becomes a powerful force in the world when it is used to educate and help society find out the truth. The power of journalism can empower the present, persuading individuals to go right instead of left. When it works, journalism can help people see the actual reality of situations that have purposely hidden and grown too private.
What's the funniest news-related #hashtag you've seen?
How do you prefer to be pitched on stories?
Brief, blunt, honest & to the point.
What tools and software do you use to do your job?
Too many to list.
What's your favorite social network?
Twitter
Who do you wish followed you?
Arianna Huffington & Dr. Oz
Why did you become a journalist?
To help others
Did you work for your high school newspaper? If so, what did you do there?
No, I didn't.
What story are you most proud of writing or working on?
My article on Sleep Deprivation requested by Arianna Huffington
What advice can you offer to aspiring journalists?
Be yourself, be down to earth and never forget why you became a writer in the first place.
When's the best time to pitch you?
Anytime.
What's the best pitch you ever got?
When Arianna Huffington asked me to review her book.
What's the worst pitch you ever got?
One that was copied, pasted, & spinned telling me how wonderful I am.
What's your favorite drink?
tequila sunrise
When you're not at a computer, where are you most likely to be?
On a beach
Aside from your own, what's your favorite publication to read?
Huffington Post
What's the most common misperception about your beat?
That it's easy.
