What was your first job as a journalist?
To date I have been freelance writing,and my first job came when I helped coauthor a book for Dr.Louis Tharp, (Yale,PHD Psychology)
Have you ever used a typewriter?
Yes, and old one my dad kept from his days working at TransAmerica
How is social media changing news?
A journalist is now everyone capable of working their devices, making it essential that all opinions and stories,however small, must be heard
Who's your favorite fictional journalist?
Columbo, more of a detective, but isn't that what good journalists are?
What does it mean to be a journalist?
To forever be in the front seat, looking and sharing the world with the public who deserves the best writing, stories, and humble truth
What's the funniest news-related #hashtag you've seen?
and are hilarious, showing how this generation can turn any serious topic into memes
How do you prefer to be pitched on stories?
Email! With detailed descriptions on research, timeline, and most of all intent for a story.
What tools and software do you use to do your job?
Microsoft Surface Pro 6,amazing fast laptop. I use a traditional pen and paper when brainstorming. Some adobe Photo editor for my photography
What's your favorite social network?
Instagram, I love how simple it is.
Who do you wish followed you?
elon musk, donald trump, adam driver, jake gyllenhal
Why did you become a journalist?
To mend my two strong points- never ending curiosity and writing. I want to help people, tell their stories and discover so much more.
Did you work for your high school newspaper? If so, what did you do there?
No,I was focused on my photography more than writing. Now, I'm starting work on my Vikings newspaper at LBCC.
What story are you most proud of writing or working on?
What advice can you offer to aspiring journalists?
Separate prose from other writing. It's one thing to do a research piece,another to do a blog post.Always remain professional in your setting
When's the best time to pitch you?
Any time, but I'm most likely to answer emails/return calls after 6pm. If not, leave a message and I'll get back to you ASAP!
What's the best pitch you ever got?
My teacher/boss, who told me about a book to write about the idea of quitting everything in order to better ones life. Unbelievable but true!
What's the worst pitch you ever got?
Haven't had one yet!
What's your favorite drink?
1 shot of espresso over ice with almond milk. I don't drink alcohol anymore. But when I did...Guinness.
When you're not at a computer, where are you most likely to be?
Usually driving around Downtown LA, or down the beach walking on the pier in Long Beach. Or at a coffee shop, simply reading and writing!
Aside from your own, what's your favorite publication to read?
Human Parts on Medium, I also listen to many podcasts including ones with stories from Reddit, and ScaryMysteries on Youtube for my crime fix
What's the most common misperception about your beat?
People think mental health is only talked about by those who have obvious signs.I want to break that stigma.Even the "strong"need help
