Imagine this: you get the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to meet and interview your favourite author. Think of it as having front-row seats into the minds where the magic happens, learning all the juicy tidbits of challenges and secrets they had in their literary journey. But that only happens if you play your cards right.
While interview questions are a great way to learn more about authors, you want to divert from the generic ones if you want to make your interview exciting and insightful. If you’re preparing a list of questions to ask authors, consider this as your guide to get the most out of your limited-time interview.
For your convenience, we have divided our question list into three parts. The first one focuses on their books, the second one focuses on them, and the third one focuses on their creative process of writing. Not only that, but we will also cover some awkward topics and questions you may want to avoid to ensure your interview goes smoothly. So, if you want to make the interview memorable for you and the author, pick out your favourite questions from the list.
10 Questions to Ask Authors About Their Books
When discussing an author’s work, you’re stepping into a world they’ve meticulously built. Here are good questions to ask authors about their books to get the conversation flowing:
What gave you the idea to write this particular book?
This question unravels the origins of their story. Whether it’s a personal experience, a historical event, or an abstract idea, understanding their inspiration adds depth to your appreciation of the work.
Can you summarise the main idea or plot of your book in a few sentences?
By distilling their story into a concise summary, authors often highlight the essence of their work, giving readers a better grasp of the narrative’s core.
What themes or messages do you hope readers will take away from your book?
Every story conveys a message, whether overt or subtle. This question explores the author’s intention and reveals the values or philosophies they wish to share.
How did you approach crafting your characters? Are they purely fictional or inspired by real people?
Character creation is a cornerstone of storytelling. By asking this, you gain insight into whether their characters are products of imagination or reflections of reality, enriching your understanding of their narrative choices.
What was the hardest part of writing this book, and how did you overcome it?
Every creative journey involves challenges. Authors’ responses here often provide a glimpse into their resilience, problem-solving skills, and the growth they experienced during the writing process.
How did the editing process shape the final version of your book?
Editing often transforms a manuscript. This question delves into the evolution of their story, showcasing the importance of refining ideas and narratives.
What inspired the title of your book? Does it hold any special significance?
A title is often a story’s first impression. Understanding the reasoning behind it reveals the thematic or emotional weight it carries.
If your book were adapted into a film, who would you cast as the main characters?
This light-hearted question allows authors to share their vision of their characters, adding a touch of fun while deepening the reader’s connection to the story.
Are there any hidden meanings or symbolism in your book that readers might not catch at first glance?
Symbolism adds layers to a story, enriching the reader’s experience. This question uncovers subtle elements that enhance the depth of the narrative.
What scene or chapter was your favourite to write, and why?
Authors reveal what excites or moves them most about their work by sharing their favourite moments. It’s an opportunity to connect with the emotional heartbeat of their story.
10 Questions to Ask Authors About Themselves
Authors are shaped by their experiences, beliefs, and inspirations. Asking the right questions to ask book authors can provide fascinating glimpses into their lives and careers, enriching both the interviewer and the audience. These questions are designed to explore the person behind the pen, revealing their motivations, habits, and insights:
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When did you first realise you wanted to be a writer?
This question takes the author back to the beginning of their journey, uncovering the pivotal moment when they discovered their passion for storytelling. It’s a deeply personal inquiry that often reveals their initial inspirations and dreams.
Which authors or books have influenced your writing the most?
Asking this highlights the literary works that have shaped their voice and style. It allows the author to pay homage to their mentors—whether directly or through the pages of books they admire.
What’s the most surprising thing you’ve learned about yourself through writing?
Writing is as much a journey inward as it is outward. This question often leads to revelations about personal growth, resilience, or unexpected discoveries made during their creative process.
Do you have any peculiar writing habits or rituals?
Writers often develop unique habits to channel their creativity. From a preferred type of pen to an unconventional workspace, these quirks bring out the human side of authors, making their process relatable and intriguing.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received about writing?
Every writer stands on the shoulders of wisdom passed down by others. This question elicits practical and inspiring advice that resonates with both readers and aspiring authors.
How do you balance your writing career with your personal life?
Balancing creativity and daily responsibilities is no small feat. This question delves into how authors manage their time, priorities, and relationships while pursuing their craft.
What’s one thing about being an author that you think most people don’t understand?
This question uncovers the less glamorous aspects of the writing profession, providing a window into the challenges and realities that authors face behind the scenes.
If you weren’t a writer, what career would you have pursued?
Exploring alternate career paths offers insight into their other interests and talents, painting a fuller picture of who they are beyond the written word.
Do you read reviews of your books? How do you handle negative feedback?
Reviews can be a double-edged sword. This question gives a glimpse into how authors process criticism and praise, offering valuable lessons in resilience and growth.
What’s the most memorable interaction you’ve had with a reader?
Connecting with readers is often one of the most rewarding parts of being an author. This question invites them to share heartwarming or impactful stories that highlight the profound connections their work fosters.
10 Questions to Ask About Their Writing Process
When it comes to understanding how authors bring their ideas to life, exploring their writing process can be incredibly enlightening. Here are some interview questions to ask authors that delve into their unique methods and habits:
What’s your daily writing routine like?
Every writer has a rhythm that suits them best. By asking this, you’ll uncover how they structure their day to ensure they meet their creative goals. It’s an opportunity to learn strategies that could help you create a productive routine of your own.
Do you prefer to write in silence or with background noise, such as music?
The creative environment plays a crucial role in shaping ideas. Whether it’s the hum of a coffee shop or the tranquillity of silence, this question explores what setting fuels their imagination.
How do you approach world-building, especially in genres like fantasy or science fiction?
Building entire worlds requires a unique blend of creativity and structure. By delving into this, you’ll uncover the thought process behind their immersive settings and how they make them believable.
What role does research play in your writing?
Research often underpins great storytelling, whether in historical fiction, thrillers, or non-fiction. Asking this highlights how authors balance factual accuracy with creativity, offering insights into their dedication and depth of work.
How do you handle writer’s block or moments of creative doubt?
Creative slumps are a reality for every writer. This question sheds light on how they overcome those moments, revealing techniques that can be inspiring and practical for others facing similar challenges. However, we recommend not asking renowned authors as it’s a general question.
What’s the most difficult part of writing a book for you?
Every author faces hurdles, whether it’s plotting, character development, or revisions. Exploring this provides an honest look into the challenges they’ve encountered and how they’ve triumphed over them.
Do you outline your books beforehand, or do you write spontaneously?
Plotter or pantser? This classic debate gives a fascinating glimpse into how authors bring order (or chaos) to their ideas before they put pen to paper.
What tools or software do you find indispensable for writing?
Technology has revolutionised writing, and every author has their preferred toolkit. From writing apps to notebooks, this question uncovers the resources that shape their craft.
How do you know when a manuscript is truly finished?
A book is a writer’s labour of love, and knowing when it’s ready to be shared is an art. This question delves into their revision process and how they find that elusive sense of completion.
What advice would you give to aspiring writers?
Every aspiring writer seeks wisdom from those who’ve walked the path before. This timeless question often reveals golden nuggets of advice that resonate with beginners and seasoned writers alike.
Topics to Avoid When Interviewing Authors
While it’s important to ask insightful questions, some topics are best avoided to ensure the conversation remains respectful and productive. Here’s why certain questions can lead to discomfort or even derail a meaningful dialogue:
- Overly personal questions unrelated to their work: Asking about intimate details of an author’s personal life, such as family issues or private relationships, often crosses a boundary. These questions don’t contribute to understanding their craft and may come across as invasive. Always keep the focus on their professional journey or creative insights.
- Probing too much into their finances or income from writing: Questions about how much money they earn or their financial status can be perceived as inappropriate or tactless. Writing careers vary widely, and income can be a sensitive subject. Instead, focus on the value of their work and the creative process rather than the monetary aspects.
- Asking if they’ve experienced writer’s block: This is one of the most overused and clichéd questions. Most authors have faced creative challenges, and asking this often yields generic answers. Instead, inquire about how they navigate creative struggles or maintain inspiration, which opens up a more engaging and productive discussion.
- Critiquing their work in a way that feels confrontational: Offering harsh criticism or challenging an author on aspects of their work without constructive intent can put them on the defensive. Such questions should be avoided as they create tension rather than foster understanding. If you have concerns, frame them as open-ended questions to invite a thoughtful response.
- Comparing them unfavorably to other authors: Authors put immense effort into their work, and comparisons can feel dismissive or invalidating. Instead of pointing out how they differ from others, highlight unique aspects of their style or approach, making the conversation more positive and engaging.
Final Thoughts
Asking the best questions to ask authors can transform a standard interview into an enriching conversation. By focusing on their work, personal journey, and creative process, you create an atmosphere of curiosity and respect. Whether you’re interviewing for a blog, podcast, or personal interest, these questions will help you uncover the stories behind the stories.
So, the next time you’re preparing to meet an author, revisit this guide and pick your favourites. Remember, the right questions can turn a simple interaction into an unforgettable experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is it important to prepare specific questions for authors?
Thoughtful questions allow you to explore an author’s journey, creative process, and unique insights, leading to meaningful and engaging conversations rather than generic responses.
What are some of the best questions to ask authors about their books?
Questions about inspiration, character development, themes, and challenges faced during writing are great ways to delve into the narrative and creative aspects of their work.
How can I make sure my questions stand out during an interview with an author?
Focus on specific details of their work, avoid overused questions like writer’s block, and demonstrate genuine interest in their process and philosophy.
What topics should I avoid when interviewing authors?
Avoid overly personal questions, financial inquiries, confrontational critiques, or unfavourable comparisons to other writers. Stick to questions that celebrate their craft and individuality.
How can I ask insightful questions if I’m not familiar with all of the author’s works?
Research key highlights of their career, read summaries or reviews of their books, and frame your questions around universal themes or creative techniques that resonate with their genre or style.