Interviewing an Author: Dont Be Left Speechless
Joyce Carol Oates. Langston Hughes. Anne Sexton. F. Scott Fitzgerald. Nikki Giovanni. The names of authors (dead and alive) can go on and on. But I'll let you have first pick!
You are in a room with some of your favorite authors. About ten of them. However, you are only allowed to invite one of them to Starbucks for a couple of chocolate mochas. Just you and your favorite author. It doesn't matter if the writer is deceased—use your imagination! After all, you're a writer, right?
Oh dear, who shall it be? Should it be William Shakespeare with his purple pantaloons; Sylvia Plath who now vows to use an electric oven instead of gas; or should it be Maya Angelou and old playmates from her broken-hearted brothel?
Finally, you have selected an author.
You take him (or her) to Starbucks. You order the mochas. You sit down. As you open your mouth to ask the author questions nothing useful comes out.
What's the problem?
Often times we'll chance upon moments when we can interview an author. And, with technology nowadays, methods of research and brainstorming have changed slightly.
1. Research the Author
Ask yourself, "Is the author self-published or published in a traditional publishing house?"
Actually, does it really matter?! No. Why? Because you're going to need to treat all authors the same—with much respect. Be laid back, and in turn, the interviewee will become comfortable and open-up to you.
After all, whether published or not, we're all human. Before the interview, however, use your investigative reporting skills and attempt to discover as much as you can about the author. Surf the Internet for any hidden agendas internet-published writings the writer may have. Not only do you want to know about the author's book, but the personal life as well. Find out what makes the author tick.
2. Research their genre and subject matter
Does the author write poetry? Historical nonfiction? Dramatic nonfiction? Children's literature? Discover how easy or difficult it is to publish in that particular area of writing. Before you meet up with the author, you must know their genre, as well as the basic themes. If the author writes only historical nonfiction—what's their subject matter? Pre-civil war? Early African Slave Trade? Cuban artwork? Compare and contrast authors in similar subject matters.
Learn as much as you can while you can. And, at the same time, be sure to formulate an opinion about the subject matter, whether it be pro or con. This will allow you to ask more in depth questions.
3. Don't Interrupt
Remember to ask your question then shut up. This isn't a time for you to reminisce of your (waning) writing skills. This is moment for the author to be in the spotlight. Listen to their responses, and make sure that you have a rebuttal question prepared in the back of your head.
After you are away from that particular topic, be sure to go to your next question. Though you may have your list of questions—it's okay to ask the questions out-of-order. Actually, I highly recommend to adlib the questions. This will make the questions seem a bit more unforced. In short, treat your interview as if it's just a regular discussion amongst friends.
Above all, I highly recommend to record the interview. Before you display your trusty hand-held recorder, ask the interviewee for permission to record them. Keep and label all used tapes with the author's name, date and location of the interview. You never know when that once self-published novelist will become the next Best Seller.
Edited by Jenny Wilson
About The Author
Stephen Jordan has five years experience within the educational publishing industry. Stephen was a freelance editor with such educational foundations as Princeton Review, The College Board, New York University, and Columbia University. Away from the office, Stephen promotes his creative writing with his home-freelance business OutStretch Publications and his artwork. Stephen holds two Bachelor of Arts degrees in writing and literature from Alderson-Broaddus College of Philippi, West Virginia
Available for reprint.
Please keep bio and all contact information when reprinting article. Contact author so he can keep track of where his articles are being used.
Related Articles:
Get That Job: Mastering Job Interviews
I've heard it said..
Job Interview - Tips to Ensure a Successful Interview Process
After sending a resume to a prospective employer, you may be called for your first of probably two or three interviews The initial interview is critical because that is when the employer will likely decide whether to hire you and how you might fit with the company
Job Interview Techniques 3 Super Tips When Preparing For A Job Interview
Many people get anxious when theyre preparing for a job interview. But theres nothing to be nervous about if youre confident in your abilities. As long as you apply the 3 job interview techniques and tips below, securing your dream job can be as easy as pie.
Attention To Detail - Your Job Employment Interview Cover Letter
Preparing a cover letter for a resume that you will send out by email or perhaps fax can be a daunting or indeed difficult task What rules, procedures and advice are best given and followed
Resume Tips For Career Fairs And Online Job Banks
If you?re all set to attend a career fair ? or are looking to post your resume on an online job bank ? and are concerned about how to create a resume for companies you have yet to meet, you are not alone
Fortunately, there are ways to create great resumes capable of catching the eyes of potential recruiters no matter what venue you?re working with
Keep Your Job Employment Interview Resume Cover Letter Simple
Keep your cover letter simple Itýs as simple as that
Finding Casino Jobs - Las Vegas Casino Employment Tips
Conducting a casino job search is very similar to conducting any other type of job search The first thing you need to do is determine what kind of work you are looking for and where you would like to work
10 Resume writing tips to land you your dream job
Imagine yourself sitting in an employer's desk with hundreds of resumes falling in on your desk against a vacancy declared by you in your company. Number of vacancy - 1, and number of applicants - innumerable. As an employer it is your responsibility to select the most deserving, suitable and competent candidate. So it is up to the candidate to snatch the employer's attention out of those hundreds of resume application. As such, writing a resume is all about knowing what employers specifically look for in an applicant's application. So, never make the mistake of underestimating the importance of a "good and eye-catching resume".
How To Write A Resume Using Your Resume to Secure Your Dream Job
Most of us have the misconception that our curriculum vitae or resume is just a simple document that lists our educational/work background and contact information. However, if you really want to land the job of your dreams, you must learn how to write a resume professionally.
Free Job Searching, Networking & Resume Tips for Job Seekers
Montgomery, Gray & Associates is a recognized authority on career transition for over 16 years. It has developed new and very successful job search, networking and resume strategies to accelerate the job search process and assist the job seeker to get in the doors for interviews.
Resume Editing Tips That Get the Job Done
When youýre looking for a new job, your resume is arguably the most important part of your application process Many job-seekers focus on interviewing skills, which are very important
Job Search - Resume Tips To Make Your Job Search Easier
With jobs more difficult to find and competition fierce, you need any edge that will make your job hunt easier, or at the very least, more organized A great job may conceivably have over one hundred applicants, so it is hard to make yourself visible without being overly aggressive or too pushy
Resume Tips For Those Lacking Job Experience
Are you looking to acquire your first job in many years ? or your first job ever ? and have heard that without experience you have no chance of finding employment Well rest assured that this couldn?t be more wrong
Resume Expert Launches New Online Resource and Resume Building Tools for Job Seekers
Resume and job search industry veteran, Carl Bascom, has launched a new resume writing and job search resource website at http://www.resumewinners.com Resume resources include a resume workbook series called the "You're Hired" Series.
How to Make A Resume - Resume-Writing Tips To Attain Your Dream Job
Would you like to make the best impression on your prospective employers concerning your competence and how you would be suited for the job you are applying for?