Editors should never preach and that is not my intention, but whether you're a journalist or a writer of fiction or an editor of either one, when you look in the mirror you should think tireless or dogged or maybe even a stronger word (indefatigable?) to describe what you need to be to become successful, and what you should be as you go after the truth-which is your job. I am not talking about the White House press corps and all the others busting alternative facts on the front lines of the fake news war. They are elite in their own way, which is why they cover each other with such pride. Good for them.
I am talking about something different, looking for the smoking gun but also for the occasional blip that at first may seem odd but then suddenly makes complete sense-like finding out that the Dalai Lama likes to fix wristwatches. This is a small truth, a fact, loaded with implications because of the synchronous orbits it shares with His Holiness's day job. Squint at it.