What questions do I ask an author during an interview?
<strong>How to interview an author?</strong> Most bloggers that start author interviews have issues with what questions to ask. Most will ask the blanket questions but hardly ask any intriguing questions, questions that would want to make a reader want to read more, that is what an author interview is supposed to do; inspire, engage, and enlighten the readers. What can an interviewer do to inspire readers and engage their readers in an entertaining way? <em>There is the problem that I will aim to address.</em>
Authors love being interviewed, I have to start the article off with that, but an author doesn't like the basic questions. You, as the interviewer already know that the author wants to talk about their most recent project. That in its self should be part of the introductions. Did you ever watch Johnny Carson interview someone or Jack Parr? There was a couple of really excellent author interviewers that engaged the author as well as their audience. That is the way to approach an interview.
Study the author first. Look into something they have written, and then ask questions about it. Not questions just about their books but about them, dig deep pull something that's entertaining out, something funny, something inspiring. That will make your readers laugh and fully engage them with your interviews. That is what will bring your readers back to read your next author interview and it is that which will make the author want to be interviewed again by you.
Below is a series of questions that I was asked during an interview. I thought they were good questions to ask so I am sharing them with you. But one thing I will suggest is to ask question during a live video chat that way you can dig deeper and fully engage all concerned. Save the Q & A and post that to your blog! Now you've got something. Plus you can repost it with a link back to your site at Book-Spot.com under author interviews.
Interview #1 Interview with Robert Ruisi: author of The Panhandler Diaries 1. Describe in 5 words, your writing: 2. You say that you cherish the smaller things in life. What things do you appreciate? 3. Why do you write? 4. How many books have you written? 5. You write about serious topics that kids go through, like adoption. How did you research for this book and what other books have you written? 6. What is your favorite book and why? 7. Do you belong to any writer's associations? If so, which ones and why? 8. What time do you get up and what do you eat for breakfast? 9. Who is your biggest cheerleader? 10. What do you think about the publishing world today? 11. How do you think self-publishing has opened or closed doors for creative people? 12. Do you use an editor? 13. Where's the best place to get a great cup of Joe or Tea in your town? 14. What is your writing process like? How do you begin? 15. Are you a linear writer? Or do you jump all over? 16. Who was the most influence on you, in your past, for writing; a teacher, parent, or a sibling? 17. What one word describes you? 18. What is your hope for your writing in the future? 19. Who are you reading right now? 20. How do you market your books? Which way do you believe is the best? 21. Give 3 great tips for newbie writers: 22. Any big news?
Interview #2 Robert, here is the questions. What is the working title of your book? What genre does your book fit under? Which actors would you choose to play your characters in a movie rendition? Do you have any good suggestions for authors trying to enter into the field? What is the synopsis of your book? Will your story be self-published or traditional? How long did it take you to write the story? What stories would you compare this story to within your genre? Who or What inspired you to write? What else about your book might pique my reader's interest? Do not forget to include the urls to your book, amazon page, facebook page, twitter username, etc.
<em>Post your interviews with a link back to your website with Book-Spot.com under author interviews.</em>
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