Writers Tricks of the Trade Volume 6, Issue 5

WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE THE INTERVIEWER TO ASK YOU? (CONT’D) INTERVIEWS I feel honored. That someone is curious enough and willing to talk to me just blows me NE away. I’m not afraid to admit I like talking about myself, but only to a degree. Then again, as I dispense advice in my weekly columns, I talk about myself all the time. I do it mainly to offer examples, to help people learn the writing craft and to entertain. I have never done anything in my life that is extraordinary or heroic, so I have nothing to brag about. I find bragging embarrassing. That’s not what tooting your own horn is. It’s letting people know who you are and what you do. If you don’t, nobody else will! That leads into what type of questions would you want an interviewer to ask so you can toot your own horn? RADIO WHAT WOULD I WANT THEM TO ASK ME? You can’t be shy about this. You can’t go, “Well, they wanted to interview me, they should know what they want to ask me.” That’s not the way it works. Their interest is somehow piqued by you, so they’re giving you an opportunity for exposure by granting you space on their web site, audio or video forum. Remember, it’s also publicity for them by getting you on their site. The better the interview goes, the better for both of you. Once again, don’t be shy. There’s no room for it in this situation. NEWSPAPER 1. How did you get started writing? 2. Where do you get your inspiration from? 3. Who are your major influences? 4. What genres do you write in besides this one, if any? 5. What’s your publishing history? 6. Tell us a little about _____ (the main character in your book). On and on… Remember. Each question is exposure. It gives the potential readers a bit if insight not only about you, but your book. Use it wisely. Happy writing! WRITERS’ TRICKS OF THE TRADE TV Be prepared for every type of interview PAGE 5 SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2016

Writers Tricks of the Trade Volume 6, Issue 5 | Page 13