What was your first job as a journalist?
I've been writing online as a blogger for quite some time, and actually acted as Head Writer for ComicsVerse for a while; I drove an initiative that really increased the amount of content on the site, and improved the quality of our reviews in particular. It was through ComicsVerse that I learned of Moviepilot, and went through their old Academy system. When Moviepilot offered the opportunity to become one of their Verified Creators, and be paid for my work, I jumped at the chance. Ultimately, to my surprise, that became the start of a career - I'm now a freelance writer by profession!
Have you ever used a typewriter?
Many, many years ago - when I was only a child. Back in the '80s and '90s, my mum worked as a secretary, and was a trained typist (she also learned shorthand). She was very proud of her typing speed, and very irritated when we got a computer and I soon became a quicker typer than her!
How is social media changing news?
It's become less useful of late, due to the decline of fact-checking and Twitter's de-prioritizing posts with links.
Who's your favorite fictional journalist?
Probably Sarah-Jane Smith, in 'Doctor Who.' I grew up loving that show; nowadays, my childhood is back, and this time it's actually cool!
What does it mean to be a journalist?
I view a journalist as someone who watches the world, seeking to understand it, and then attempts to communicate what they see.
What's the funniest news-related #hashtag you've seen?
. As an avid reader, that one was tremendous fun!
How do you prefer to be pitched on stories?
I don't mind getting an email, but I tend to generate my own stories to be honest.
What tools and software do you use to do your job?
I'm trained in Wordpress to an Advanced level. I tend to organise myself through use of Excel or Google Sheets.
What's your favorite social network?
Undoubtedly Facebook, although these days it's as much a business tool as social media for me!
Who do you wish followed you?
Oh, J. K. Rowling for sure.
Why did you become a journalist?
I've always loved writing, and - before becoming a journalist - worked in the field of Knowledge Management at The Co-operative Bank. That allowed me to cultivate my writing skills, and I began developing those as a blogger. In truth, it wasn't until I was made redundant that I began focusing on that as a potential career; at first, the writing was simply a distraction from the dispiring experience of job-hunting, but it gradually become something far more.
What story are you most proud of writing or working on?
While I'm happy to cover 'breaking news' at speed, I always prefer to get in a lot of analysis. As a result, some of the articles I'm proudest of are the ones that dive deep into the themes and concepts underpinning a film. Sometimes the themes can actually be stronger than the film itself; the controversial 'Batman v Superman,' for example, featured some fascinating Messianic imagery. I really enjoyed exploring that.
What advice can you offer to aspiring journalists?
Not very original, I know, but - write. Write, and keep writing, and learn your craft.
When's the best time to pitch you?
Although I'm based in the UK, I cover a lot of news that originates in the US. That means I regularly keep, shall we say, unwholesome hours; fortunately, I'm a bit of an insomniac. If you have a pitch, get in touch, I'll be delighted to take a look at it.
What's the best pitch you ever got?
Probably the most enjoyable was a chronology of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. It took a long time, and it'll always be a work in progress, but it was challenging and entertaining.
What's your favorite drink?
I've always rather liked a Smirnoff Ice, in a glass with ice. Sadly, those kind of drinks are a bit of fashion now, so instead I tend to go for a nice glass of red wine.
When you're not at a computer, where are you most likely to be?
Probably at Church, to be honest, or else simply reading a book!
Aside from your own, what's your favorite publication to read?
It ranges wildly. I'm always up-to-speed on what's going on in the news, and I like to refer to a range of political viewpoints. As a result, I follow everything from the New York Times to the Guardian, from the Telegraph to the Washington Post. In terms of the entertainment sector, I really enjoy Variety.
What's the most common misperception about your beat?
To focus in on comic book movies, I'm surprised how many comic fans think the films are just made for them. They're not; that's often why studios and networks will heavily adapt, because they know a change - be it subtle or major - will appeal to a wider audience than just comic book fans. I mean, contrast the Diamond sales estimates for the latest comics with the box office takings for, say, 'Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2'. It's immediately going to be apparent that there are a more general moviegoers than there are comic book fans.
