Except for creative writing that comes right out of the author’s mind, like, say, as in poetry, or short stories and novels, most other forms of writing today need some external research. In fact, if your novel or short story plot involves a bit of the use of medical terminology, you may find yourself researching external sources because you are not too well aware about these terms. So, where do writers typically go for such research?
There are several ways in which a writer can do his research. But, the two channels that are most often used are: one, the Internet, and two, personal interviews with subject experts. Here, I have to point out that earlier, the practice was that only journalists used to go for interviews, but now, writers of non creative works are also following this trend, especially when the subject is very contemporary and there is very little literature on it.
We will talk about Internet research some other day, and focus on interviews today. So, when does a writer feel the need to take an interview? One is when he/ she is writing an interview in Q&A form to bring out the interviewee’s personality traits, his thoughts and beliefs, his life’s circumstances, his works (if any, etc.). In such interviews, the research would be aimed at helping to structure a meaningful questionnaire. The other is when the writer needs inputs that will enrich his own writing. For example, academic writers interview subject experts sometimes for additional knowledge, deep insights. Another value add is that since very often the interviewee is a celebrity, quotes from him placed within inverted commas will not only add value to the work but will also authenticate it. This is a need that journalists feel more often than other writers. There is a compulsion on them to quote, so much so that when they get an appointment with a rather reticent interviewee, they are relieved if a 30 minute interview yields even a single statement worth quoting—their day is done.
But getting an appointment with a subject expert or a celebrity should be difficult, right?
Not really. Most people do not object to being interviewed, unless they are aware that it might result in skeletons tumbling out of the cupboard!!! But that is only for investigative journalism, not writers of books. So, most agree. After all, an interview means publicity for them, doesn’t it, especially in newspapers and magazines as well as online forums where it is often accompanied by a photograph? The plain fact is that the prospective interviewer should have a ‘never-say-die’ attitude; secretaries particularly are very possessive about their bosses and try to fob off people. Some do’s to keep in mind to make the passage a little easier are: (1) Give details about yourself and the organisation/publication you are representing, at the outset (2) Talk about the target audience/readership (3) Assure him, and more so if he wants, that he is under no compulsion to answer questions he does not wish to, although it would be better overall if the interview is not too bland (4) Give a brief indication of the focus of the interview and the subject matter of the research, if the interview is aimed at further research (5) Tell him how much time it would take/ how many questions there are likely to be (6) Go very well prepared with a set of well-researched questions; an interview at this level presupposes a certain level of knowledge on the part of the interviewer, as well. Finally ask him if you can quote him on anything relevant, or, does he object to being quoted on certain areas, and if so, which ones.
So, good luck with your research/ interview in Q&A form. Don’t be afraid to pick up the phone and ask for an appointment with a celebrity or subject matter expert. It just might work out. And if it doesn’t…. well, don’t get emotional about it; try the next person. Write in with your experiences.
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- Interaction with Nandini Bhalla
- A Quick Guide to Freelance Writing for Magazines
- Announcing Giveaways at Chillibreeze!!
- Chillibreeze Writer Interviews – Moumita
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