The Daily Novel

While browsing the Wolverhampton Express & Star I came across this story by their blogger Andy Toft about getting through those days when no-one wants to talk with you. He reports on a visit to Walsall where he wanted local people to tell them the best places to visit in town. Not exactly the kind of threatening questions which causes people to clam up. But, as Andy says, sometimes it happens. The journalist has to learn to go on.

The key thing is to realise that it is usually nothing personal. The journalist may not be doing anything wrong. The bigger the story the more difficult it is because you are competing with hundreds of journalists who want to get quotes. And when you need a quote from a leading figure you have to pick up the phone yet again as the deadline approaches, even though you have left four messages for him to call you back.

On such days, you think, there must be much easier ways to earn a living.