The Nonfiction Corner #8
© 2003, Don Vaughan

      My favorite part of writing nonfiction is the interview. I love talking to total strangers, asking them probing questions and gathering as much information about them and their areas of expertise as I can. It's a genuine challenge, and I love the thrill of the hunt.
      However, not everyone is as comfortable with interviewing people as I am. Many of my students have told me they're terrified at the thought of calling someone they don't know and asking unsolicited, often deeply personal questions. But interviewing is a crucial part of nonfiction writing--none of us are an expert in everything--and if you don't become comfortable with this aspect of the job, you'll never succeed.
      People talk to writers for a variety of reasons. For most, it's the vicarious thrill of appearing in a national magazine. For others, it's a chance to tell their side of a story, right a wrong, discuss some exciting research they're working on, or advance a personal crusade.
      Most beginning writers, I've found, are hesitant to call strangers because they feel they're imposing on them or invading their privacy. This may be true of the Average Joe, but if someone is important enough for you to interview, they've probably dealt with the press before.
      Beginning writers are also afraid of rejection. They fear that the person they're calling will yell at them and hang up in their ear. Let me reassure you: This almost never happens. Of the hundreds of people I've called for interviews over the years, only a tiny percentage have refused to cooperate, and those who did were very pleasant about it. Most of my "rejects" were celebrities who either didn't have the time or the inclination to talk, though celebs have also been some of my best interviews.
      Another "reject" was a sex therapist I called for an article I was writing for Hustler. He pleasantly explained that he didn't want to appear in that magazine, but asked me to keep his name in my files for future articles.
      Ultimately, the best way to overcome a fear of interviewing is to simply pick up the phone and do it. After a while, it'll become second nature to you.
      Before you begin, however, you must realize that there's a specific psychology to interviewing people. It's much more than just asking questions and receiving an answer. The best interviews come from individuals who are comfortable with the interviewer, so try to spend a few minutes just chatting. Start with small talk, and don't hesitate to reveal a little about yourself. That makes you a friend rather than just a stranger with a tape recorder.
      A good interview also has a distinct rhythm. Your questions should be grouped together by topic or issue (for your ease as well as that of your subject), and you should start simply. Ask a few innocuous questions to put your subject at ease before you get to the meat. This is especially important if you're dealing with a controversial subject.
      Following are a few more tips to make interviewing a little easier:

* If possible, conduct your interview in person. People tend to open up more to a friendly face than a distant voice on the telephone.

* Always have your questions written down. This allows you to concentrate on what your subject is saying, and guarantees that you won't forget anything important.

* Always tape record your interviews, whether in person or over the phone (if it's the latter, you're legally and ethically obligated to tell your subject before you begin). Taping an interview lets you concentrate on your subject's words, ensures that you won't miss a great quote or important piece of information, and offers protection from claims that your source was misquoted. Try to transcribe your interview as soon after your meeting as possible.


      Many beginning writers are reluctant to use a tape recorder because they feel their source will object. However, in my 14 years as a freelance writer, I've never had a source say no. The key is not be too obvious about it. Use a small tape recorder so it won't be intrusive, ask your subject if it's okay (they'll inevitably say yes), push the button and begin. If your interview is over the phone, start your conversation by saying, "Let me turn on my tape recorder" and then ask your first question. If your source does object, explain that the tape recorder is as much for his protection as your own.

* Always check your interviewing equipment before you do your interview. Nothing is more frustrating than spending two hours with a subject, only to discover that your tape recorder malfunctioned and ate all your tape. If I'm doing an interview in person, I check my equipment before leaving home. If it's a phoner, I call our local number for the correct time and tape record the message. Once I'm certain that everything is working well, I call my source. And don't forget to have plenty of extra tapes and batteries!

* Always remember that you're talking to a fellow human being. React to what you're hearing and don't be afraid to show a little emotion when the situation calls for it. Your reaction will let your subject know that you care, and may prompt him to be even more forthcoming.

* Try to get some emotion from your source as well as the facts. Ask him what he was thinking and what he was feeling when a particular situation was occurring. Such thoughts can turn a good article into a great one, but most people are reluctant to reveal their inner feelings unless specifically asked.

* Try to learn as much as possible about your subject before you interview him. This will save you precious time and make you look good in the eyes of your subject. I once spent three hours on the phone interviewing actor William Schallert for Filmfax magazine, and I tried to learn as much as I could about his films and co-stars before I picked up the phone. It paid off, too. Midway through out talk, Schallert stopped and commented, "You know more about my career than I do!"

* Sometimes an interview subject will tell you he has limited time to spend with you. Many times, this really means: "I have an out if I don't like you." That's why it's important you make a good first impression. If the interview is going well and your subject feels comfortable, he'll almost always give you as much time as you need. But just in case, get the important stuff out of the way at the beginning.

* If you're doing a face-to-face, take a moment to jot down some observations on your surroundings. Are there any interesting pictures on your subject's walls? Anything unusual on his desk? When the conversation lags, ask him about these items. They can shed some interesting light on an individual's true personality. They also add color to an article.

* It's your job to keep an interview on track. People tend to ramble when they talk at length, and that's fine; a lot of important information can come from this. But when your subject goes off on a pointless tangent, it's up to you to bring him back to the topic at hand.

* Don't be so wrapped up in searching for your next question that you don't notice a bombshell when it's dropped in your lap. An interview is a delicate juggle of listening to your subject, taking notes and being prepared to take the talk in a new direction when it's time.

* Finding someone to interview can be as difficult as the interview itself. Depending on your subject, experts can be found through the Encyclopedia of Organizations, public relations departments and professional organizations. But don't ignore your own back yard. If you're doing an article on rabies, for example, why not interview your personal veterinarian?

* One of the best ways to become a good interviewer is to read good interviews. Playboy magazine, for example, is renowned for its Q&As, and over the past three decades it has turned interviewing into an art form. (Only Playboy would send Alex Haley to interview George Lincoln Rockwell, the self-appointed Commander of the American Nazi Party.) Try to learn something from every interview you read.


      Effective interviewing isn't something that comes easily to most people. It takes many years and a lot of talking--but it's vitally important if you're going to be successful at writing nonfiction. Now, pick up the phone and start asking questions!