New book gives you the secrets of blagging freebies (From Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard)

New book gives you the secrets of blagging freebies

HAVE you ever wondered how to win a modelling contract if you're ugly, or get into exclusive parties without being invited?

Or how about getting your own funeral done on the cheap?

The answers to these profitable questions can be found in former 'Standard' reporter James Moore's debut book on the art of 'blagging'.

'Blagging It' is for people who believe the best things in life are free.

"When you're bold enough to be blagger, freebies come your way," says James, a national newspaper journalist from Coates, near Cirencester.

"All you have to do is dress right, be cheeky and exploit even those most closest you.

"My nan particularly likes the section on how to blag a cheap funeral."

And James, who co-wrote the book with Paul Nero, a Yorkshireman, speaks from experience.

As an interviewer he has blagged his way across a thousand doorsteps for a story.

The 32-year-old said: "The idea for the book actually came from Paul's friend who was getting married.

"He was looking for a wedding ring with his partner and they found this shop which gave you a free glass of champagne while you waited.

"We just starting thinking how many other things there were like that - I mean you could just turn up and pretend to want a ring to get the champagne."

James, who started blagging at an early age in Cirencester, once walked in a real ale festival at the Royal Agricultural College by a back entrance, asked for loads of samples and then left again.

He said: "I must have garnered a couple of pints worth - at student parties everyone is usually too drunk to notice.

"If you look like you're supposed to be there people are less likely to stop you.

"Another way of getting into a party is to be arguing with your partner on a mobile phone as you waltz in - no one wants to get involved in someone else's domestic."

Here's an interesting 'Blagging It' fact: Film star Gary Cooper paid by cheque whenever he could - knowing that shopkeepers often preferred to frame and display the cheque rather than cash it.

'Blagging It' is being published by Michael O'Mara Books and will be available from October 18 in paperback, priced £5.99.

For more information visit www.blaggingit.com