Writers Tricks of the Trade Volume 6, Issue 5 | Page 11

WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE THE INTERVIEWER TO ASK YOU? FRED RAYWORTH One of the things about becoming a writer or I should say an author, assuming you get something actually published, is either the thrill or dread of being interviewed. It’s part of marketing. It’s also just part of the audience being curious (or not) about you. It’s a bit of you wanting them to be curious about you and tooting your horn. Fred Rayworth WHAT IS AN INTERVIEW? A man of many talents Sounds like an obvious answer, right? Someone important asks you profound questions. You answer them and those who follow, worship or admire that important person hang on every word you say, because that important person deemed you worthy to ask those questions. VISIT FRED’S OWN BLOG http://fredrayworth.com Well, that’s sort of it, but not quite as glorified unless that person really is a big-shot and you’re a celebrity. Seeing as how we’re writers and authors, not only is this person more likely to not be a celebrity, though they could certainly be important and have lots of followers, the fact is, you’re not and probably never will be a celebrity, unless you actually grab that elusive brass ring and get a million copy seller. Even then, how many best-selling authors would get a humongous audience for an interview? Stephen King maybe, but he also makes movies. How many other authors would get the same interview following as he does? So, what is an interview to you, possibly a newbie author? Don’t get me wrong, people will see it, just don’t expect a 60 Minutes audience. If your interview gets a wide base (depending on the interviewer), you might be surprised how many people will actually see it. I still haven’t said what the interview is for you. It’s a platform to market your book and yourself. It’s a way to publicize not only the book but you as a writer and author. It’s a way to make it all more interesting. HOW TO MAKE IT INTERESTING Unless your book is specifically about your dog, you don’t want to waste all your interview questions and answers on your dog. WRITERS’ TRICKS OF THE TRADE PAGE 3 SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2016