Do you doodle while on the phone or in meetings?
I don't actually doodle that much. I never have. I'm more of an auditory person, so I retain information by listening and replaying words and phrases that I pick up over and over again in my mind. It's like having a constant tape player rolling! Sometimes I take a pen and pad into meetings, but I usually just come out with an empty page or a bunch of random circles and swirly lines.

What's your favorite non-tech tool you use for work?
My AP stylebook ... It seems like I pick it up a couple of times a day! Some grammar rules become ingrained in you after a while, but there are so many to keep up with that it helps to have a refresher. When in doubt, I always take a minute to flip through because assuming has gotten me in trouble in the past. Of course, a cup (or two) of coffee in the mornings is also essential to get my creative juices pumping!

What is your favorite on-the-job responsibility?
I love writing most anything, especially feature stories. I also love interviewing people, even if it's just over the phone, because for me it's like taking a trip; hearing their stories takes me to a different place and allows me to experience another perspective. I also get a thrill anytime I get a layout into my hands to edit because there is nothing like seeing stories and images come together—it makes everything real. Another new favorite task is putting together an edit slate. It's fun to be part of shaping story ideas for readers and tying different concepts together to create a complete issue.

Do you listen to music while you work? If so, what are your favorite artists/songs for working?
I don't listen to music much when writing or editing because it's too distracting (too many words colliding in the brain!). But I do crank up my iTunes for more repetitive tasks like making PDFs or changes to design documents. My favorite tracks include anything upbeat—artists like Natasha Bedingfield, Beyonce, Sarah Bareilles, Rascal Flatts, to name a few. While working on a magazine project for a military client, I created a special mix of "fighting" songs to keep me going.

How do you refocus if you're having trouble concentrating or getting the creativity flowing?
I get a cup of coffee! Seriously, something about coffee stimulates my brain—but that's not all I do. Sometimes, cleaning off the clutter from my desk (or computer desktop) helps me regain clarity. For writer's block, it helps to listen to a song with great lyrics or just do 10 minutes of "free writing" without putting any restrictions on myself. Taking a walk is my favorite way to get my creativity flowing. My best ideas come during afternoon walks when I'm listening to nothing but the birds chirping and the wind in the trees.