Journalist of the Month

Our Journalist of the month is Lizzy Dening, the Digital and Fitness Editor at Top Santé. When she’s not busy writing about workouts and women’s issues, she can be found volunteering for her local rape crisis centre. Her work has appeared in numerous publications including The Guardian, Grazia, Elle, Marie Claire, Mail Online, Women’s Health and Huff Post. Find out more about Lizzy in her answers to the SBPR questions below:

1.       What are the 5 words that best describe you?

Ambitious, energetic, creative, quirky and neurotic!

2.       What magazine do you love reading and why?

Apart from Top Santé of course, I’m a big fan of Cosmopolitan. I thought I’d outgrown it in my 20s, but under the direction of its editor Farrah Storr it’s still grabbing my interest well into my 30s and isn’t afraid to tackle challenging topics.

3.       What is your favourite book?

I first read Mrs Dalloway (Virginia Woolf) when I was at university and adored it, and there’s still something about it that allows my brain to reach an almost meditative state. I will also admit that in challenging times I’ve been known to indulge a childhood Harry Potter habit too.

4.       Which song makes you dance?

Anything Michael Jackson or Move On Up by Curtis Mayfield.

5.       What has been your best career moment?

Blagging a press trip to Hawaii for Grazia and taking my husband with me! It led to some real ‘pinch me’ moments, including snorkelling with manta rays, taking a helicopter over the cliffs featured in Jurassic Park, and watching a pod of spinner dolphins following our boat.

6.       What advice would you give your 20-year-old self?

Do more writing for yourself, not just for publications. I’ve been lucky enough to be featured in many of my favourite magazines and papers, but actually the work that’s brought me the most satisfaction are the things I’ve written for myself. I’ve recently started a blog about sexual violence and the media which is a topic I’ve become passionate about since working for the board of Peterborough Rape Crisis Centre. Writing for it without worrying about word counts or editorship has been liberating. https://rape-and-media.blogspot.com/

7.       Where are you happiest?

Anywhere with animals, or on my sofa with my husband and our cat Moomin.

8.       Who would be your number one dinner guest and why?

My best friend – she lives in Canada and we rarely get to see one another. She’s much funnier and more interesting than any celebrities.

9.       If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why?

Infinite knowledge – or if that’s too big an ask, I’d like to be fluent in every language. My GCSEs in French and German just don’t really cut it.

10.   If you had to ask us one question what would it be?

If you were at Hogwarts, what form would your patronus take?

Interesting question Lizzy! See below for the SBPR answers:

Jess - A dog, because as long as I have enough sleep, good food and sufficient exercise I will be everyone’s friend.

Lizzie – Flamingo!!!

Alex - A monkey, because they always look as though they are thoroughly enjoying life.

Georgie - A dolphin, because my happy place is the sea (even though I only learnt to swim recently).

Raluca - A cat because they’re cute and fluffy!

Laura – A penguin apparently because I’m aggressive yet gentle, outgoing but shy, stable yet flighty! Plus I love the sea.

Sunny – A unicorn!!

Lu – A koala because I love hugs!

Journalist of the Month

Emmie Harrison, 25, is a features writer for Chat, Pick Me Up, Woman, Woman’s Own, Woman’s Weekly and Now as well as a freelance travel, lifestyle and music journalist! We’ve followed Emmie’s work for a long time and love her passion for women’s issues. Emmie took five minutes out of her busy day to answer the infamous Sunny Bird PR questions…
 

1.       What are the 5 words that best describe you? Smiley, bubbly, kind, curly and (I hope!) funny.

2.       What magazine do you love reading and why? It has to be Time Out! It’s been my bible since I moved to London. It’s a great mixture of thought-provoking features about people that live and work in London, and a guide to the best restaurants, plays and bars. I’ve found some of my favourite places thanks to Time Out.

3.       What is your favourite book? This is tough! Anything by Chuck Palahniuk (author of ‘Fight Club’ – that’s his worst!) or Stephen King. Creepy books are the best!

4.       Which song makes you dance? Dancing in the Moonlight – Toploader. I’m the first one up!

5.       What has been your best career moment? I’ve been utterly grateful for every moment that’s allowed me to write, but it must be when I got my dream job on women’s magazines in London. I was 23, and I finally felt like the years of hard work had paid off.

6.       What advice would you give your 20 year old self? At 20, I was at university and going through a really rough time. I’d say b-r-e-a-t-h-e. Stop trying to do everything at once and slow down. Everything falls into place eventually.

7.       Where are you happiest? I’m happiest when I’m at home, in Newcastle. Time works differently at home, everyone smiles and my family are my biggest fans. Plus, I really miss my mum’s Sunday dinners.

8.       Who would be your number one dinner guest and why? Liam Gallagher! I want to see how hard he really parties… I’m sure he’s got some incredible stories to tell, too.

9.       If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why? Definitely to teleport. There’s so much of the world I want to see!

10.   If you had to ask us one question what would it be? What would you choose as your last meal on earth?

Oh, tough question, Emmie! Of course we all vary massively, so here’s the team’s choices:

Sunny – “There’s no way I’d be having just one course if it was my last meal! I’d start with Koh Thai Tapas’ 24 hour ribs, followed by their Pad Thai Green curry with a desert of a nice big pot of Haagen Daaz Bailey’s flavour. Obviously I’d have to accompany it with a cocktail so I’d have a lipstick rose!”

Lu – “Salmon with every grilled vegetable that has ever existed.”

Lizzie – “My Gran’s paella. I lived in Spain for a year and still have never have had a paella that good!”

Georgie – “Even for my last meal on earth I couldn’t stray from my favourite lobster mac and cheese.”

Alex – “Mine would be fish pie because it reminds me of home.”

Laura – “I’d tuck into a Chicken Katsu curry because, well, it’s amazing!”

Jess – “Rib-eye steak, medium rare of course.”

Journalist of the Month

Jenny Francis is the Fitness Editor at The Sun and covers everything from celebrity fitness features, book serialisations, trends, products, and services. We first met Jenny when she was a Senior Feature Writer on Fabulous Daily and we sent her off to beautiful Bali to review Bliss Sanctuary for Women. Jenny took five minutes out of her busy schedule to answer the infamous Sunny Bird PR questions…

1. What are the 5 words that best describe you? Passionate, driven, compassionate, indecisive, excitable

2. What magazine do you love reading and why? Balance. I love that this magazine covers all aspects of health and fitness without being too preachy or unachievable. It's aspirational, motivational, and every feature is laid out in manageable chunks - perfect for the commute.

3. What is your favourite book? Near on impossible to answer - but I'd say a close call between To Kill a Mocking Bird, The Confession (John Grisham) and ALL the Harry Potter books.

4. Which song makes you dance? Stevie Wonder, Superstition

5. What has been your best career moment? This is very tricky as immediately a list of features come to my mind that I worked hard on. But when I actually think about it, being a mentor for The Sun's Column Idol competition was a highlight for me. This competition happens every year and a number of staff mentor the shortlist of young talent to create their own column for The Sun. It was amazing to be a part of something that showed young people are still interested and excited by print journalism and when my student came in third it was an incredibly proud moment to see how far he'd come.

6. What advice would you give your 20 year old self? Slow down. I think we're all guilty of rushing through our 20’s at the speed of light desperate to keep achieving the next big thing on our life 'to do list'. Slowing down a little and taking the time to enjoy each step rather than moving on to the next would be my biggest bit of advice. Before you know it, you're passing out at your 30th birthday wondering how the hell you got there.

7. Where are you happiest? In the sun, with a plate of delicious food in front of me and good company.

8. Who would be your number one dinner guest be and why? J.K Rowling. Because I think she is incredible, and I could easily fill an entire evening drinking and eating while discussing her wonderful imagination (and what happens next in Potter...).

9. If you could have any superpower, what power would it be and why? To be able to click my fingers and be anywhere in the world. I love to travel more than anything, but the getting there isn't so great. On a stressful day how freakin' great would it be to just be able to click your fingers and spend your lunch break on a winery in Italy...

10. If you had to ask us one question what would it be? What makes a good journalist in your eyes?

From a PR’s perspective a good journalist is someone who's approachable, friendly and thorough. Good relationships with journalists are key for us and the clients we represent. We know that journalists are always super busy so we always appreciate those that take the time to talk to us and listen to our ideas and pitches. And Jenny, you are always a pleasure to work with, so thank you!

Journalist of the Month

Delphine Chui is a Digital Editor at Hearst and creates content across all of Hearst’s brands with a particular focus on interiors. When she’s not busy writing copy and being a digital content creator for the likes of Red Magazine, Country Living and Harper’s Bazaar, she can be found finding some zen in the great outdoors. Here, Delphine answers the Sunny Bird PR questions:

1.What are the 5 words that best describe you? Sensitive, curious, playful, pensive and excitable.

2.What magazine do you love reading and why? I have constant wanderlust so I love reading lush travel magazines like BA High Life and National Geographic that give me a glimpse of another world or another perspective.

3.What is your favourite book? Garth Stein’s The Art Of Racing In The Rain is a book written from the narrative of a family dog – and it’s utterly brilliant, but full disclosure, it will pull at your heartstrings.

4.Which song makes you dance? I was a Noughties teen so I’d say something like Outkast’s Hey Ya – or of course, anything Britney.

5.What has been your best career moment? I’ve been lucky enough to travel the world with work, cover events from the BAFTAs to the Tour De France and interview some enviable A-listers and incredible people (like the first ever Saudi Arabian female film director). But if I have to choose, it would probably be taking on the task of living without any plastic for a week for a video experiment for Marie Claire because it completely changed my life and opened my eyes to a new zero-waste lifestyle that I strive towards every day. 

6. What advice would you give your 20-year-old self? I’d say not to be afraid to try. I’ve learnt that striving for perfectionism in your work can sometimes be another form of procrastination so just do it! Go for it, and get whatever words you want out there, out there.

7. Where are you happiest? In Crystal Palace park walking my two rescue dogs – it’s just the most beautiful and diverse green space in London. In general, I’m happiest outside in nature, away from my phone or laptop (which seems counter-intuitive for a digital journalist) and since getting my National Trust membership, I’m trying to go to as many sites around the UK as possible.  

8. Who would be your number one dinner guest be and why? Jane Goodall. I studied anthropology at university and I’m obsessed with animals and as she’s the leading primatologist, I’d pick her brains about all things apes and monkeys because I find them and their social structures fascinating.

9. If you could have any superpower, what power would it be and why? I’m terrible at languages so would love if I could speak every single language under the sun or how about stopping time? If there was a way to slow down perfect moments, that would also be nice in our world where we’re always rushing around and things can seem way too transient.

10. If you had to ask us one question what would it be? What’s your ultimate survival guide to hosting a successful press trip? I always feel like travel PRs take on the “holiday mum” role and I can’t imagine how tricky it can be to keep up with a group of journalists – especially after they’ve had a drink (or five...)

Good question! When it comes to surviving those all-important press trips, organisation is key. Here are the team’s top tips for hosting a seamless press trip from start to finish:

•  Know Your Stuff- A good PR must always be prepared for any tricky questions that may come their way. That means knowing the hotel, restaurants, local area and of course the local customs inside and out.
• Time Management- This is crucial if you want to ensure your group arrive at each destination rested and ready. After all, no one wants a group of hungry journalists on their hands after a missed dinner reservation!
• Research Your Guests- Knowing your guests interests, allergies and writing topic is pivotal to keeping them happy and making sure you get the best out of their writing.
• Have Fun- It goes without saying that if you’re hosting anybody, you must be upbeat and entertaining. A positive attitude can be infectious.
•  Have a Contingency Plan- Perhaps most important of all, always have a plan B! Countless things can go wrong in the duration of a trip, so plan for the worst and have a bank of interesting anecdotes up your sleeve. 

Journalist of the Month

Helen Knapman is the Acting Editor of Moneywise and unsurprisingly this has resulted in Helen living and breathing the money saving way of life; from mystery dining to get free meals out, regularly switching to nab the best telecoms, energy, and current account deals, and of course, always bringing in her trusty (and cheap) packed lunch. Helen took five minutes out from her money-saving life hacks to answer the Sunny Bird PR questions:

1. What are the 5 words that best describe you? A hardworking, inquisitive, fun, chocoholic

2. What magazine do you love reading and why? Well it would have to be the magazine I work for, of course, Moneywise. We make money interesting and accessible so readers can learn how to save more and make more with our coverage of the latest personal finance and investing news, advice, and recommendations.

3. What is your favourite book? I grew up reading the Harry Potter series and I was such a fan of JK Rowling’s enchanting world that I was one of those bookworms queuing up at midnight, waiting for the latest book in the series to drop. But before you ask, no, I didn’t take it as far as dressing up as wizard/witch.

4. Which song makes you dance? One dance by Drake.

5. What has been your best career moment? I was super proud to win Online Money Journalist of the Year at the Santander Media Awards in 2013. However, whenever a reader writes in to say thank you and that our advice has helped them in some way, that also makes it all worthwhile.

6. What advice would you give your 20 year old self? Have more self-belief, although that’s something you’re only really going to learn with age so it’s a bit of a catch-22 situation!

7. Where are you happiest? Anywhere the sun is shining and I’m surrounded by friends.

8. Who would be your number one dinner guest be and why? As a journalist, I’ve always wanted to learn Louis Theroux’s secrets – his ability to get people to share their stories is incredible.

9. If you could have any superpower, what power would it be and why? To fly – not only would it be fantastically fun (at least I imagine it would be as I obviously don’t know) but also practical – bye bye pricey air and train fares as well as dull and tiring long-distance journeys.

10. If you had to ask us one question what would it be? Who would be your number one dinner guest?

This is a tough one (sorry for asking you first!), after much humming and hawwing here are our answers...

Sunny - Only one is too hard, I'd invite Robin Williams as he was such a wonderfully creative man and actor, Pablo Picasso as I was fascinated by his blue era, Michelle Mone as I think she would be a laugh, Richard Branson as I've heard he has a wicked sense of humour, Amy Shumer as she seems down to earth, Joan Rivers as she was so hilariously straight and one more, Adele as she likes a drink and seems super fun!

Lizzie - Queen Elizabeth I, she's my favourite, I would have so many questions for her but may end up just staring at her leaden face and wooden chest!

Anya - Michelle Obama because she's amazing and a global role model.

Alex - Salvador Dali, I would love to sit down and listen to him talk about what inspired him and his world of surrealism which has gone on to inspire so many.

Karin - Louis Theroux too because he's met so many amazing people and is bound to have some incredible stories that I don't already know from watching his shows.

Lu - David  Attenborough, he is a living legend, I could listen to him talk all day.

Emma - Noel Gallagher as he's smart and funny in equal measure, I bet he would have some great stories to tell and he might even play us some music!

We think if we put all these together we'd have a pretty wild party!!

Journalist of the Month

Lydia Winter is the Contributing Editor for Foodism magazine and suffers from constant food FOMO, which means she has to eat everything she comes across (except coriander). When not thinking about her next meal, she can be found stalking other people's cats – or trotting the globe for Foodism's sister title, Escapism. Lydia took 5 minutes out from planning her next meal to answer the Sunny Bird PR questions:

1. What are the 5 words that best describe you? Empathetic, direct, organised, silly, smiley.

2. What magazine do you love reading and why? All the newspaper supplements – FT Weekend Magazine, Sunday Times Magazine and Guardian Weekend.

3. What is your favourite book? Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier, The Bell Jar by Sylvia Plath and The Book of Night Women by Marlon James. 

4. Which song makes you dance? R Kelly's Ignition. Yes, really. 

5. What has been your best career moment? When I ended up filming an hour-long live video for Foodism without any prep (and when slightly pissed).

6. What advice would you give your 20 year old self? Do more crazy stuff while you still can! 

7. Where are you happiest? At a dinner table with my friends – preferably having cooked the whole meal myself and done it well.

8. Who would be your number one dinner guest be and why? My grandmother, because I never met her and I really wish I had. 

9. If you could have any superpower, what power would it be and why? To just be able to give myself more time to do everything I want to do. 

10. If you had to ask us one question what would it be? Which travel destinations are your favourites and why? 

Oh this was a tough one to answer as we all had so many! We eventually came up with these firm favourites from the team:

Sunny – Santorini because it’s simply stunning

Lizzie – Israel because it completely surprised me with its dramatic landscapes, beautiful food and fascinating history

Anya – Bali because it just makes you want to smile

Alex – India because its vibrant and exciting

Karin – Norway because it looks like something out of a fantasy novel!

Emma - San Francisco because of its elegant architecture, incredible food and fab vintage shopping

Lu – Florida because it’s the perfect mix of theme parks, sunshine and shopping

Journalist of the Month

February's Journalist of the Month is Ginny Sanderson, a reporter on the Eastbourne Herald & Sussex Express. Ginny has taken time out of her busy schedule covering crime, politics and everything in-between as the unofficial cute animal correspondent to answer our ten questions!

1. What are the 5 words that best describe you? Opinionated, thoughtful, chilled, animal lover.

2. What magazine do you love reading and why? My guilty pleasure is having a good look through Glamour magazine; usually I get it when I'm going on a long train journey. It has the right balance of celebrity with fashion and life advice. I hope they still do the 'Hey, it's okay...' bit. It always has really relatable things that I only thought I did. 

3. What is your favourite book? This is so difficult, it's always changing. Stephen King's Wizard and Glass or Rebecca by Daphne Du Maurier. 

4. Which song makes you dance? Most of the Hamilton soundtrack at the moment. #work

5. What has been your best career moment? My favourite so far was writing a feature about a Harry Potter-style role play set up in a castle in Herstmonceux called Bothwell School of Witchcraft. Everyone was running around dressed in wizard robes, hunting dragon eggs or heading to potions class. It was one of the most surreal experiences but totally brilliant. And, as a HP fan, I was living the dream. 

6. What advice would you give your 20 year old self? My 20-year-old self was still at university, in the second year of my degree. So perhaps I would say get more involved in societies and go to more talks on campus. And the obvious: don't stress, enjoy yourself. 

7. Where are you happiest? This is a tad embarrassing but genuinely just when having really good food in good company. I love doing food reviews, which I'm lucky enough to do every now and again. 

8. Who would be your number one dinner guest be and why? I feel like I could talk to Jessica Chastain for hours about movies, politics, feminism...

9. If you could have any superpower, what power would it be and why? To transform into an animal. How cool would it be to be a tiger for the day?

10. If you had to ask us one question what would it be? Most bizarre press release? 

We love a weird and wonderful press release which we know will generate headlines. For us, it’s a toss-up between ‘Is Snoring Ruining the Nation’s Sex Life?’ for our client Good Night Anti-Snoring Ring or,  ‘How Well Do You Know Your Poo?’ – a Bowel Cancer Awareness Campaign for Ramsay Health Care UK.

Journalist of the Month

January's Journalist of the Month is Punteha van Terheyden. Previously the commissioning editor for Take a Break, she is a freelance journalist and ghostwriter with a particular interest in health, specialising in true-life features for the national press. She's taken a few minutes out of her day to answer our ten questions!

1. What are the 5 words that best describe you?

I suppose the ones I hear most often are tenacious, honest, strong-willed, determined and loyal.

2. What magazine do you love reading and why?

I have always been a Take a Break reader - I adore true life stories and Take a Break has a way of storytelling that really gets you in the feels. Or makes you laugh, or gasp in shock. Whatever the story, it’s written with authentic details that transport you into that person’s life and that’s very special. No other consumer publication writes quite like that. 

3. What is your favourite book?

The Alchemist, by Paulo Coelho. It’s beautiful, profound and life-changing. 

4. Which song makes you dance?

I love a bit of every day pop. I currently have Rita Ora’s new track Anywhere on repeat, much to the chagrin of my long-suffering husband.

5. What has been your best career moment?

Gosh, there have been a few that have really meant a lot to me. Talking my way into my first journalist job on an agency was really satisfying. Being offered a staff job on my favourite mag was another. Seeing my first book for Penguin place in the top five of the Sunday Times Bestsellers list was really special. 

6. What advice would you give your 20 year old self?

Every career decision you make will be the right one - just listen to your gut every time and don’t be afraid to take risks. It will get you where you want to be. 

7. Where are you happiest?

At home with my hubs and our little girl. 

8. Who would be your number one dinner guest be and why?

Now you’re asking. Hmm. Right now, I’d say Prince Harry and Meghan Markle. I’m a big fan of the Royals and by far, this couple is my favourite. In a world of cynical journalists, I’d love to see them defy the critics and just continue being in love and happy. Who doesn’t love a fairytale?

9. If you could have any superpower, what power would it be and why?

To heal. I’d start with my own chronic pain, then work my way around my friends and loved ones! Then I’d quit my job because clearly I would soon be minted…

10. If you had to ask us one question what would it be?

What item couldn’t you live without?

Our phones! The life of a PR means always being à jour with the latest news and events. We're forever tapping away on our little screens, reading articles, posting social media updates and chattering with journalists and organisations!