Sally Litchfield: The Feel-Good Writer

Keegan Casteel
Aug 31, 2018 · 4 min read

Growing up, Sally Litchfield never imagined that she would pursue a career in journalism. She had always enjoyed writing, but never considered it as a profession. Her schoolwork was dedicated to pursing a degree in Fine Arts with a double major in philosophy and religion. After receiving her undergraduate degree, Sally attended law school and entered the business world as a lawyer.

After giving birth to her first child, she decided to take a break from working to stay at home. As fall of 2000 approached, she became restless and tired of living exclusively as a housewife.

“I got into the journalism profession very unexpectedly,” said Litchfield. “My best friend’s father was the publisher of the Marietta Daily Journal, and I asked her in passing to let me know if the writer for the social column was retiring soon so I could apply for the position.”

Sure enough, the writer retired two weeks later and Sally got the job.

Eighteen years later, she continues to cover news for the Marietta Daily Journal as an independent contractor who exclusively focuses on the Lifestyle section.

“I love getting to write about the community by covering parties, weddings, and other social gatherings,” said Litchfield. “I like to think of my section as the feel-good stories.”

A story that greatly resonates with Sally is a feature she wrote in 2016 about Henry Holley, a 90-year-old reverend who lost his wife after 67 years of matrimony. The article focuses on their life together as a couple and Holley’s recollection of the fondest memories of their nearly seven decade union.

“They had such a rich life and a beautiful marriage, and he just touched my heart,” said Litchfield. “It’s stories like those that make me love my job even more.”

Sally discusses Henry Holley

While her work takes time and patience, Sally enjoys being able to complete her writing and reporting from the comfort of her own home.

“It’s an ideal situation because it gives me the chance to be with my family, but also keep my mind going,” said Litchfield. “It’s something I can have for myself.”

Journalism has become such an important factor in Sally’s life, and she’s grateful for the unexpected path her life took.

“I’ve learned that everybody has story,” said Litchfield. “I’ve appreciated learning about people and telling their stories. It helps to connect not only other people to the community, but me as well.”

Journalism Questions

Q: Do you believe that journalists are chiefly responsible to the public or their own personal interests when investigating and writing? Why?

A: “Public interest should always be put first. The press needs to keep their interests out and only reveal the facts. It should always be done without slant or bias. If a journalist doesn’t do that, then they are going to lose the trust and respect of the public. Unfortunately, in the environment we live in today, I believe that the press has actually lost an abundance of public trust. There has to be a reason for publishing certain pieces of information, and I feel like there just isn’t that same level of journalism they had when I was coming along. It was factual.”

Q: What risks do journalists take in revealing a story? Are those risks worth it? Why or why not?

A: “In a small community like I’m in, you may definitely risk making someone made at you. I’ve had instances where people email me about a party, for example, and you assume that they want it in the paper. But I’ve learned that I can’t make that assumption. I don’t want to put anybody in a bad light, so I try and always ask people if they don’t mind me reporting about whatever it is they tell me about. In regards to hard news, journalists are going to step over a line by intruding in someone’s personal life. I do believe it’s justified when the public interest outweighs the private interest. People have a right to know what’s happening in their community.”

Q: What is the importance of free press to you?

A: “Being a lawyer as well as a journalist, I believe that freedom of the press is extremely important in addition to freedom of speech. They’re definitely interrelated. It’s important for people to express themselves, and when people don’t agree, it’s something that’s vital to democracy. You may not like what I have to say, but learning to respect others for their opinions, no matter how repulsive, it’s important for society to be accepting of one another.”

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