Extra Effort Pays Off

I don't know if I'm a perfectionist, but I am the kind of person who hates leaving an answer unsolved. Supposedly, that's the Scorpio in me -- part detective, part passionate sex-crazed fiend.

The detective part comes in handy when I need to track down sources or information or figure out the solution to a problem. It came in handy last week when I was having trouble lining up an interview for a quick-turnaround article, just like it has come in handy countless of other times when I've got to find out some details for an article.

I kept my editor informed. I told her that I was having some trouble reaching the initial source but I found his co-researchers. I found their contact info, and I was in touch. Hopefully, I wrote, all will fall into place before my deadline.

The editor was grateful. I got my interviews done and my article written and sent off by deadline. Editor was happy.

Next day, my email brought me another assignment from the editor. Bigger and better. I can't say for sure, but I'd like to think it had to do with my sleuthing.

To be honest, I don't pull out all the stops for the reward. I do it because it's my job and because I don't rest until I have an answer. But it is nice to see how my editors appreciate the effort.

Now, off to track down some more sources who are in hiding.