EXPERIENCE

NCTJ-qualified, I have always had a knack for tracking down stories in unusual places. I am genuinely interested in people—and ultimately, their stories—and I like to think that shines through in my interview technique. I have written a huge variety of articles and features in a broad range of topics including crime and court reporting, human interest, politics, and ‘quirky’ stories.

 
 

Police Oracle

I identify and write stories for the UK’s largest provider of police news and information on anything from trousers to discrimination. I interviewed the Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police, Cressida Dick, about women in policing, which was the most read story of the week.

 

The Independent

While working at the national newspaper’s news desk, I wrote a variety of stories from the light hearted (such as shocking hair and pimping the Queen) to the serious (including beer crate baby and zero carbon emissions).

 

The Enfield Independent

The only reporter working on the paper, I was responsible for all editorial content for the breaking news website and weekly newspaper. I was applauded for finding unusual stories and breathing new life into the paper. I started web features such as taking on ghostbusters, being a pest controller and school dinners.

 

The Haringey Independent

Writing all articles for the paper (online and offline), I started by increasing the number of human interest stories to ensure there was a wide appeal. A favourite includes ringing a number on a ‘missing dog’ poster stuck to a lamppost, and finding out a weird and wonderful story about a gang stealing a family pet called Sir Vincent Noodle. It made the front page and shows stories can come from anywhere!

 

HerCanberra

When I moved to Australia’s capital for six months, I approached the women’s magazine HerCanberra and secured writing weekly features about a Brit settling in. I wrote the features in an honest yet light-hearted way, even admitting how at first I wasn’t exactly excited about my move…

 

The Guardian

While at university and writing for Leeds Student newspaper, I covered articles for the national newspaper from a student’s perspective. I wrote about government plans to treble tuition fees, and in a slightly different vein, about a Spice Girls exhibition coming to town.