What was your first job as a journalist?
My self run website, zanderdrivescars.com, which I started in high school. Professionally, however, CarBuzz.
Have you ever used a typewriter?
No.
How is social media changing news?
It gives anyone the ability to reach a wider audience with news that might not be picked up by larger publications, for better or worse.
Who's your favorite fictional journalist?
Howard Beale. Although more of a newscaster, I empathize with the idea of a journalist being fed up, tired, and wanting to speak his mind.
What does it mean to be a journalist?
To take information and teach it to a wider world. Inform anyone and everyone about what you think the world should care about.
What's the funniest news-related #hashtag you've seen?
still gets a laugh out of me, even if it more politics related. However the hashtage became news itself.
How do you prefer to be pitched on stories?
By email or on social media, as I am most available on those platforms.
What tools and software do you use to do your job?
WordPress, Emaki, Asana, Microsoft Word.
What's your favorite social network?
Instagram. It has a perfect balance of professionalism and freedom to both create interesting content and connect with others.
Who do you wish followed you?
James May. I feel like his and my opinions about the automotive world are similar.
Why did you become a journalist?
I love cars, and I love writing. I figured that I could make a career out of writing about cars. Worlds combined.
Did you work for your high school newspaper? If so, what did you do there?
I worked for The Monitor, the school's literary publication, printing poems and short stories. By senior year, I was editor in chief.
What story are you most proud of writing or working on?
For my own website, an article titled "Am I Running Out of Youth?" A piece about growing up, your first car, and chasing memories.
What advice can you offer to aspiring journalists?
Connect with everyone. Putting yourslef out there helps open doors and might bring you opportuntiies you wouldn't normally think you'd have.
When's the best time to pitch you?
Late afternoon, early evening. I love learning about an idea, sleeping on it, and waking up with a head full of ideas and thoughts.
What's the best pitch you ever got?
Not an article, but to help set up the social media page for a rally operation in the Pacific Northwest.
What's the worst pitch you ever got?
A "virtual car company" wanted me to run a story on my website about how their nonexistent supercar was the future of automobiles.
What's your favorite drink?
Non alcoholic: Cherry Coke. Alcoholic: Vodka soda two limes.
When you're not at a computer, where are you most likely to be?
Exploring new areas of New York. Trying new restaurants, bars, and meeting up with friends.
Aside from your own, what's your favorite publication to read?
I am a big fan of TheDrive. The people who work on it are some of the smartest people in the business, and their content is fun and engaging.
What's the most common misperception about your beat?
You have to be a racing driver or professional to reveiw cars. All you need is a passion for it.
