What was your first job as a journalist?
Writing at NBC News' Newsvine back in 2008, when it was known as MSNBC Newsvine.
Have you ever used a typewriter?
Yes I have! A lot of my articles starting out were typed up on a typewriter. There's something beautiful and magical about a typewriter...
How is social media changing news?
It's influencing journalism with this nanosecond coverage, becoming both resourceful and challenging, while bringing people closer together.
Who's your favorite fictional journalist?
Lois Lane and Macaulay Connor (Jimmy Stewart in The Philadelphia Story).
What does it mean to be a journalist?
It means to create a distinct and solid voice in an industry often cloaked with partiality, and always stand by your word.
What's the funniest news-related #hashtag you've seen?
It would probably be any hashtag that pertains to this year's fiasco created by Toronto Mayor Rob Ford.
How do you prefer to be pitched on stories?
Via email. I welcome a variety of ideas.
What tools and software do you use to do your job?
All social media, my BlackBerry, Microsoft Office, Adobe Photoshop, Wordpress, and a little bit of HTML/CSS.
What's your favorite social network?
Twitter
Who do you wish followed you?
Conan O'Brien
Why did you become a journalist?
I wanted to share my voice and thoughts with others, and create my own fingerprint in writing about what matters most to me.
Did you work for your high school newspaper? If so, what did you do there?
Yes, I did. I was a contributor at "The Bear Truth" for two years. I submitted articles on film and television, as well as poetry.
What story are you most proud of writing or working on?
Interviewing personalities is always a highlight for me, so I'm proud of quite a few interviews. I'm also proud of my research pieces.
What advice can you offer to aspiring journalists?
Keep yourself current with news and be familiar with social networks. You must create your own fingerprint in writing; don't be someone else.
When's the best time to pitch you?
Mornings, east-coast time. I love ideas pitched to me in the mornings when I'm just starting my day and reading up on the news.
