How to interview authors

How to interview authors from there or Kuwait - Kuwait City or elsewhere in the world can be difficult but there are a few tips available that are good to use for your interviews.

Many bloggers that start holding author interviews have problems with what questions to ask. Many will ask the expected questions but hardly ask interesting questions, questions that would want to inspire a reader read more, that's what an author interview is supposed to do; inspire and engage the readers. What can an interviewer do to enlighten readers and engage their readers in an entertaining way? This is the problem that I will address.


Authors love being interviewed, I have to start the article off with that, but an author does not like mind numbing 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 your introductions. Did you ever watch Johnny Carson interview someone or Jack Parr? They were a couple of really good interviewers that engaged the interviewee as well as their audience. That's the way to have 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 out of them that's entertaining out, something funny, something inspiring too. Something that will make your readers laugh and fully engage them in your interviews. That's what will bring them back to read your next interview and it is what will make the interviewee want more to do with you.


Below are a series of questions that I was asked once during an interview. I thought they were good questions to ask so I am sharing them with you. But one thing I do suggest is to ask questions during a live video chat that way you can go deeper and fully engage all concerned. Save the Q & A and post that to your blog! Now you've got something. Plus you can post it with a link back to your web site at Book-Spot.com in the author interviews.


Author Interview #1
Interview with Robert Ruisi: author of The Hitchhiker


1. Describe in 5 words, your writing:
2. You say to cherish the smaller things in life. What things do you appreciate?
3. Why 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. Which book is your favorite 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 a professional 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 promote your books? Which way works best for you?
21. Give 3 tips for newbie writers:
22. Any big news?


Author Interview #2

Robert, here is the questions.
What is the working title of your latest book?
What genre does your book belong to?
What actors would you choose to play your characters in a movie rendition?
Do you have any good suggestions for authors trying to break into the industry?
What is the synopsis of your book?
Will your book be self-published or will you follow traditional publishing?
How long did it take you to write the manuscript?
What books 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?
Don't forget to include the urls to your book, amazon page, facebook page, twitter username, etc.

Post your interviews with a link back to your blog with Book-Spot.com under author interview questions and answers