An author interview is very insightful and knowledgeable individuals. Writers are sensitive members of society who observe everything from unique to mundane and often talk about bitter realities or unspoken truths. A talk with such individuals who are a beacon of knowledge can be fruitful and enlightening for their listeners.
Celebrity interviews are widespread as compared to author interviews. When writing an author interview, you should know what questions are suitable and appropriate for an interview. Refrain from asking offensive questions as it creates an uncomfortable environment for the writer, and the interview quality also drops.
Factors for a Good Author Interview
What should a good author interview cover? Let’s discuss the content of a quality author interview.
1- Talk About the Book
An author usually gets invited for an interview due to the success of his most recent work. A book receives recognition and is met with high praise. In return, the author gets invited for interviews to talk about it.
The interviewer should be well aware of the theme of the book, its genre, and the storyline. It will be in the best interest of the interview if the interviewer has read the book. This way, the interviewer better understands the writer’s writing style and genre.
The creative process behind the book, how the idea got translated into a whole book, and what inspired the writer to write this book, all these subjects are a part of an author interview.
2- The Writing Process
In an interview with an author, you talk about their craft the most. The writer should be asked about the whole process from the beginning to the end. For instance, what does it take to start writing a book, what are the necessary elements, and does the plot come first or the characters?
Get the writer to talk about the subjects of his writings and why those subjects need to be addressed. As the writing process is not always smooth, one can ask the author how they deal with challenges. Often writers face writer’s block; how do they overcome it?
3- The Journey of Becoming a Writer
There is a particular journey and a success story behind every famous individual. Likewise, writers also go through their fair share of challenges and odds. It is always inspiring to talk about the hardships and rejections a writer faces in his struggling phase. A source of motivation for new writers and a message to not lose hope lies in the struggle stories of renowned writers.
4- Fun and Creative Questions
Author interviews tend to be a little less entertaining as their main focus is based on literature. It can be stirred up a bit by creating fun and creative questions. You can ask questions about what the author would do in different scenarios, or if he was a character of one of his books, how the plot would turn out to be different. Having fun with your guest during an interview is always a great idea.
The Bottom Line
Great questions and an organized order of them are what makes an interview remarkable. The questions should stay focused on the writer and his writings. Readers enjoy watching and reading interviews featuring their favorite authors. A good author interview covers all the information the reader wants to learn about.
