Greetings,
My last blog covered the importance of research when creating a
piece of fiction or non-fiction. Research can be done in various ways, but one
of the best is an actual interview. If you can accomplish this, you're off to a
good start. A personal chat with a person working in your specific field of
interest offers you the opportunity to ask in depth questions, a book does not.
I prefer to do in-person interviews, but when a deadline’s
involved a writer may have to revert to
other means of communication: phone or e-mail. For those of you who have never
interviewed anyone, I'll share a little secret. A one on one interview can
create long lasting friendships. It's all about the way you handle the
interview. Be on time, be friendly, and pay attention to details.
In 2003, the local newspaper where I live created Her Voice a quarterly magazine for and
about women. Coincidentally, that same year my first novel arrived on the scene
and I seriously considered using the magazine as another avenue to express
myself. But, like the majority of us, I questioned whether I actually I had
what it took —the right stuff. Five years later, thanks to a little shove from
a friend, I got up the nerve to submit my first idea to the editor. When 2015
comes to a close, I’ll have conducted approximately thirty-three interviews for
this particular magazine.
A few of the women I’ve had the privilege of interviewing are: An insurance
agent, hand therapist, music therapist, eye doctors, first responder, a church
youth instructor, a retired Salvation Army chaplain, candy shop owner,
restaurant owners, gift shop entrepreneurs, health club owner, photographer,
and soap/body lotion entrepreneur.
When making initial contact with the interviewees via the phone, I
always explain I only need about 20 to 30 minutes of their time. But guess
what? The women are so thrilled to be interviewed we spend an hour or longer together.
Yes, I follow the tried and true format questions, who, what, why,
where, and when but I also throw in non-traditional questions. Did you have a
mentor? What’s been the most challenging for you? What’s been the most
rewarding? Words of wisdom you live by. What’s your favorite quote? What’s the one thing you hope you’ve instilled
in your children? Any plans for the future. What advice would you give to
someone thinking about pursuing the career you have? Most of these questions
can’t be answered in a half a second. And those questions plus many others help
you to understand the interviewee better.
If you interview people for magazine articles, save your notes. You never know when you’ll want a character with their
specific background for a short story or novel.
Have you been thinking about interviewing someone? Don't put it off for five years like I did. Do it now.
Do you have interviewing techniques you’d like to share with
others on this blog? If so please leave a comment.
Until Next Time
This is Marlene Chabot
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