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A helpful technique in developing your characters is through mock interviews. |
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While sifting through my wdc email the other day, I came across July's site wide contest, "One key part of writing," posts the contest page, " is character development." The author goes on to say, "This contest explores those techniques."(wdc "What a Character! : Official WDC Contest" )
In essence, the contest is about interviewing.
Primarily, I'm a non-fiction writer. Interviewing is right up my alley. In fact, I wrote a newsletter a year or so ago overview the interview and how authors could incorporate interviewing techniques as a way of discovering their characters.
Flexibility is the key to success when it comes to interviewing. Question and Answer sessions can be conducted over the phone, in person and through email. All produce equal amounts of success. Successful interviewers become comfortable using all three.
The prelims for all three are similar:
Research - I see you rolling your eyes. I know it's not glamorous, but, it's effective. Before you even know who you'll ask the questions to, research the topic at large. Exploring your subject provides a bit of a foundation, plus, you won't come across unintelligent. Also, it may spark ideas for your story.
More Research - Huh? Yes! Once you've pinpointed your interviewee it's time to do a very quick background check. If he/she is a local expert, ask around for tidbits. Try the internet, too. Knowing a few fun or personal(positive)facts ahead of time can score big when the Q&As start.
Face-to-Face - I love this format because, if the piece allows, I can incorporate facial expressions and body language into my work. I usually schedule these over lunch(my treat) at a place I know I can afford, where the atmosphere isn't too loud with background noise. If an extra meal isn't in your budget, spring for coffee. Look at it this way, if your story sells, then the coffee/meal expenses are paid for.
For me, people are relaxed during meals. Lunch supplies a perfect activity during those few embarrassing down moments and eliminates fidgeting of any sort. Food eating also guarantees you have the interviewee's undivided attention for thirty minutes!
Remember to bring a notebook and working writing utensil with a spare backup. How uncomfortable it would be to ask the food server for a pen or pencil. If you have a digital recorder, make sure the batteries are charged and the device is is working order. Personally, I love the recorder. The amount of information you can gather is massive in comparison to jotting down notes. Furthermore, your accuracy is on the money. No one can argue quotes when you have them recorded.  .
Another must-bring is a list of questions. Specifically, the ones you want answered. But ask a few more, after all, you have the attention of an expert here. Take advantage of his/her knowledge. You never know when information might become important to you.
If uneasiness creeps over your body before you begin, start with the basics; name, job title, contact information, anything to break the ice. Before long, you'll relax. You'll look, feel and sound like a pro.
Over The Phone - My next to favorite format. This one's cool because you can conduct an at home in your pajamas meeting and the expert has no idea. I've actually done this, when my guy only had a fifteen minute window at 6:30AM.
Here again, be prepared, have a list of questions, but again, be open. One of my favorite things to ask, no matter what format I'm conducting is -"So, what made you decide to become a tennis coach?" (Substitute "tennis coach" for appropriate field.) This questions sparks a passionate response, one usually filled with delicious morsels of information. It gets the pro talking -and me feverishly jotting.
Through Email- If your first two approaches don't pan out, or, you sense your voice of authority prefers email, go this route. While a little less personal, it's fast and convenient, and is void of the dreaded "dead spots".
No matter which format you use, always get permission to call or email back for follow-ups. You may need to clarify something once you get writing. Why not snag the green light for this now.
All-in-all, interviewing through any format is productive. Asking your subject to sit in on an interview is something people usually love to do. Few things flatter the ego like being called an expert. The next time you're writing about a subject you know little about, pick up the phone and call a voice of authority.
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Fiona Hassan 
Thank you so much for the awesome tips in this newsletter! I was working on a story when I got the email, and it was just what I needed.
-Fiona
Joy 
All good points for character building.
Thanks, Robin.
monty31802
Points well made in a fine newsletter and thank you for featureing my poem, Gunfight at Writing. Com
billwilcox
Hey Robin,
Thanks for featuring my furturistic olympic tale "The Lone Survivor"
lothmorwe
My problem is that writing can sometimes seem like homework and become dull as a result. Deadlines were always just about achieved through school and uni, and if I made my own it'd be very easy to keep pushing them back. I'm evidently not self-discplined enough. I am the Queeen of excuses, I need to shut up, close my over-thinking mind and get on with things more!!!! |
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Action/Adventure: July 14, 2010 Issue [#3854]
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