Following up
Sometimes when you are in the middle of writing a story you will discover that your missing something. It could be anything: a name, a source, a minor detail that needs clarification, etc., and your story will be in limbo until you find what you’re missing.
It will happen often, and when it does you better have ways to contact your sources on short notice for your information, or else you’re in big trouble. Following up with sources is stressful to me because there is no guarantee that you will be able to get in touch with them, something that bothers me to no end (as I’ve written about previously).
As of this moment I am knee deep in my story and have the need to follow up with my sources, which puts the story on hold until everything comes through. I dislike it but it’s a natural occurrence, and burgeoning reporters like myself need to be forewarned about it.
What I’m trying to say without too much rambling is simple: ALWAYS get contact info. You will thank yourself later.
