What was your first job as a journalist?
My first paid writing job was with Seekers Media. I was sent on assignment to Cypress Hills to report on the mountain biking scene there.
Have you ever used a typewriter?
Nope!
How is social media changing news?
It happens in an instant. Everything on social media is so fast, but can we always trust it?
Who's your favorite fictional journalist?
It's got to be Clark Kent!
What does it mean to be a journalist?
For me, it's about sharing unique stories that I find interesting.
What's the funniest news-related #hashtag you've seen?
How do you prefer to be pitched on stories?
Email is probably the easiest. Sometimes it's tough to get me on the phone.
What tools and software do you use to do your job?
MacBook Pro, WordPress, Google Docs, MS Word.
What's your favorite social network?
Twitter
Who do you wish followed you?
It would be pretty cool to have some big names in the outdoor industry in my followers, but honestly I'm not that concerned with that.
Why did you become a journalist?
To share stories that I had a passion for. I figure if I like the topic and want to know more, someone else does too.
Did you work for your high school newspaper? If so, what did you do there?
No, we didn't have a high school newspaper at my school.
What story are you most proud of writing or working on?
I really, really like the featured I did on 'Wild' Bill Peyto and searching for his forgotten cabin.
What advice can you offer to aspiring journalists?
Keep writing! It's like anything else, if you want to get better, you've got to practice. Find what you're passionate about and just write.
When's the best time to pitch you?
Early morning. I'm a morning person.
What's the best pitch you ever got?
To write about mountain biking and get paid to do it!
What's the worst pitch you ever got?
Honestly, I don't think I've ever received a bad pitch...at least not yet!
What's your favorite drink?
Beer, all kinds of beer!
When you're not at a computer, where are you most likely to be?
Outside! On my mountain bike or my paddleboard, or a trail somewhere.
Aside from your own, what's your favorite publication to read?
Anything outdoorsy or sports related. I am a big fan of Explore and Slam magazines.
What's the most common misperception about your beat?
That I just 'play' outside and then write about it. There's more to it then that, but 'playing' is so much fun!
