Hatrack River Writers Workshop: My First Interview

This is topic My First Interview in forum Open Discussions About Writing at Hatrack River Writers Workshop.

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Posted by Christine (Member # 1646) on :

I'm a little nervous so I thought I'd look for some Hatracker support today. My first interview (about my first book) is tonight at 7 EST (6 CST) here:

http://www.artistfirst.com/

It's an on-line radio program that supports artists and authors.

Anyway, I'm going to be spending a good portion of today practicing some Q&A. Wish me luck!

Posted by Lynda (Member # 3574) on :

Kudos and all that! I've been interviewed lots of times for newspapers and magazine articles, and even on TV a couple of times (cable shows), mostly about my art (just last week I did a newspaper interview about my art AND my book, YAY!), but I haven't done a radio interview. It can't be that different than a telephone interview for a newspaper or magazine though, so here are my suggestions.

Make sure you're in a very comfortable chair. You might want to have your books close at hand in case you need to look something up (I sit by the computer so I can look things up on my website or in my publicity materials). Have a BIG glass of water close by, and perhaps a throat lousenge (sp?) or a peppermint in case your throat gets dry (tuck the peppermint in your cheek above your upper teeth when you're talking so it doesn't interfere). Think before you speak, but trust yourself. You know your subject (your book, your inspirations, etc.). You're on solid ground. You won't be asked to give your opinion of world events, so you don't need to do any research. Just think about why you do what you do - and realize that ANY answer you give, as long as it's honest, is okay! And the best part - doing a phone interview, you can be in your jammies!! LOL!

Don't eat peanut butter or drink chocolate before the interview - as a former professional singer, I know these things can gum up your pipes at unfortunate times. Don't eat a heavy meal before the interview in case your stomach gets nervous, but also, do have something bland in your stomach so it won't rumble with hunger! (But don't eat during the interview!!! LOL!)

Remember to BREATHE and trust yourself - you do know what you're doing - you've produced a published book, something most people will never manage! So you're an EXPERT! Just be honest and straightforward and you'll be fine.

Hope this helps! Good luck to you! And let us know how it goes (and when we can hear it!)

Lynda

Posted by wetwilly (Member # 1818) on :

Congratulations, Christine! Sounds like things are going well for you (even if it makes you nervous). I certainly hope you knock this interview out of the park. You know your stuff, so I'm sure you will.

Posted by annepin (Member # 5952) on :

You don't need luck! You're going to do just wonderfully. I'll try to tune in, though it'll be 4 p.m. Pacific Standard and I'm not sure how much free time I'll have then. I assume it'll be available in the archives later.

Congrats! This is so exciting!

Posted by Christine (Member # 1646) on :

Yep. It will be available in the archive after the show and I'll link to it from my web site, too. (www.christineamsden.com)

Lynda: Good point about the food! I have a heavy beef stew simmering in the crock pot right now...better keep mine warm for after. Queasy stomachs are a double worry for me since I'm nervous AND pregnant.

Posted by JeanneT (Member # 5709) on :

Congratulations, Christine! You'll do great.

Posted by InarticulateBabbler (Member # 4849) on :

Good luck, Christine. You'll do fine.

I won't say the customary "break a leg", because with my luck you would. Remember, that not just a little bundle of joy you're growing there--it's also the perfect all-purpose excuse .

Best wishes.

Posted by KayTi (Member # 5137) on :

Congrats! Good luck.

Posted by Tricia V (Member # 6324) on :

Good luck!

Posted by Lynda (Member # 3574) on :

Glad you found something in my ramblings useful, Christine!

Hope it all went well!! And happy baby!!!

Lynda

[This message has been edited by Lynda (edited January 07, 2008).]

Posted by Christine (Member # 1646) on :

If anyone wants to listen to the archived transcript, you can find it here:

http://66.49.193.35/Authors-First_01-07-08_Christine_Amsden.mp3