getting an early start on the day

I got an early start today, doing an interview for an article I'm working on first thing (well, maybe second thing). I think the first interview for an article is always the hardest, because I have no idea where the story is going to go, and no idea what questions will elicit useful answers. I think the first interview also sets the tone of the rest, because if it's difficult or combative, I can bet the others will be, too. Luckily, this one went pretty well, and I didn't sound too much like an idiot. I hope.