Remember a while back when I wrote one of my geekly journalistic heroines, Xeni Jardin to ask her advice on getting into tech journalism and whatnot, and she wrote me back last night. I got back from a long long drive, settle into my chair, and lo and behold, as soon as I had given up on a reply, assuming that she was likely far too busy or probably got tons of email like mine, there it is in my inbox.

Absolutely glorious; I was so excited, and I’m still thrilled. Definitely the perfect nightcap. What did she say? It’s behind the jump.

Xeni wrote (and I hope she doesn’t mind my reprint; I really think this is amazing wisdom):

“I guess I’d just repeat what journalists I look up to told me:

Find untold stories, things that fascinate you, and do your best to tell them honestly. There’s so little truth in the world these days, any small morsel of it is a precious thing that will be appreciated, and find a grateful audience.

Don’t look for “big” stories, just look for ones that matter to you. The more you work at it, the better your work will be, and the more people will see it.”

Absolutely glorious. And thank you, Xeni, I’m definitely going to take your advice to heart. Thank you.