What was your first job as a journalist?
Writing for my college newspaper covering the theater, events, and news beats.
Have you ever used a typewriter?
No, but maybe someday!
Who's your favorite fictional journalist?
Miranda Priestly.
What does it mean to be a journalist?
Be honest and impartial; be curious and a lover of good stories; be passionate about telling the truth.
What's the funniest news-related #hashtag you've seen?
I'm not a huge fan of hashtags so not sure!
How do you prefer to be pitched on stories?
Please do your research and learn about the areas I cover, my beats, etc. before sending me ideas.
What tools and software do you use to do your job?
Google Docs, Microsoft Office, Wordpress, Joomla, Adobe, Asana, Contently, Slack, etc.
What's your favorite social network?
Instagram
Who do you wish followed you?
Paul Theroux, Marissa Ross (wine editor at Bon Appetit), Pico Iyer, Bill Bryson, Sara Wheeler, to name just a few.
Why did you become a journalist?
To share deserving and interesting people, places, and stories with the world.
Did you work for your high school newspaper? If so, what did you do there?
No; my high school didn't have a newspaper. I got into journalism in college.
What story are you most proud of writing or working on?
I love sharing stories about Chile; I lived there for several years and fell in love with it, so writing about Chile is a passion of mine.
What advice can you offer to aspiring journalists?
Networking is invaluable; always be building your contacts. And be kind and a good person to work with; word gets around in this industry.
When's the best time to pitch you?
I'm an open book, email me whenever!
What's the worst pitch you ever got?
Any pitch that clearly isn't familiar with the outlet and so is totally off-base.
What's your favorite drink?
Coffee in the morning, wine, whiskey, or a simple cocktail at night.
When you're not at a computer, where are you most likely to be?
Riding my bike, hiking, or traveling.
Aside from your own, what's your favorite publication to read?
Outside, National Geographic Traveler, Conde Nast Traveler, and Travel + Leisure.
What's the most common misperception about your beat?
That travel writing is always a fabulous adventure all the time; there's so much hard work and sacrifice that goes into it.
