By Gabrielle Linnell
I don't have the privilege of being a well-known published author, though I can fantasize. In those fantasies, I imagine that in the middle of all the commercial and critical success, it would get old—really old—to be constantly answering the questions, "What is your inspiration?" "How did you get published?" "Why did you write this book?" "What is your inspiration?"
See the imminent boredom?
As the editor of an e-zine for teen writers, I've interviewed a bunch of fabulous authors, mostly YA ones. I love discovering more about an author's writing process, life, etc. But I bleed (metaphorically) for these authors because I know they get asked the same questions all the time. Often by me.
So, in the interests of well known interviewees everywhere, here are ideas on asking the question they never see coming.
Get gritty with their book/product. Look for all the random little facts. Does the protagonist always count to 54 cows before sleeping? Is the color on the milk cartons purple? Does the surgeon always sing "76 Trombones" before injecting Botox? WHY do they do that?
Tell me about yourself, sort of. Favorite joke? Favorite fat-free product? Least liked country singer? Least liked fashion era? I once saw a blogger ask an author what her favorite curse word was—hilarious AND unexpected. Hypothetical situations ("If you were alone on an island") are great too. Whether it relates to the topic of the interview or not, throw in a few of these.
Expert me, please. Give them their pre-designed soapbox. Instead of asking what their view is on vegetarianism, ask how veggie-eaters are portrayed in film. Forgo "What is the state of the publishing industry?" in favor of "What ancient civilizations remind you of publishing?" Like a brilliant journalist, always search for the crazy and never-used angle.
Of course, the authors and famous interviewees will never get off easy. The boring questions must be asked, because they are important ones. But seriously: why would any surgeon sing Broadway before Botox?
It never hurts to ask.
Gabrielle Linnell can be found writing for Innovative: A Word for the WriTeen and asking a well-rounded mix of questions.