Doing my first interview....Need Advice

[Lillian]

I'm a blogger doing my first interview with an author and my question is really for both bloggers and authors. What is the best way to conduct an interview? I already know the questions I would like to ask, but it's the how that's got me stuck. Is sending the questions in a form best or setting a date/time for something like google chat better?

Thanks in advance for all your input!

[Feliks]

No, a 'questionnaire' or 'form' doesn't sound ideal.

Do it in 'live chat' mode of some kind. Either Google Chat or 'Imo'. Or a phone call.

Yes, you can give the author a 'preview; of any particularly difficult or complex question; via email.

Make sure you take precise and lucid notes.

Make sure you inform the author of everything-they-need-to-know beforehand (waivers, legal issues; rights issues, attribution/credit issues).

Tell them what topics you are going to ask about and what you're planning to do with their remarks.

Let them know if you are 'recording' their remarks in any way.

Give them a chance to review the conversation before publishing it.

Inform them where their remarks will appear and for 'how long'.

[Kari]

Lillian,

I like doing interviews via a written form. It's just easier for me to fit into my schedule instead of trying to coordinate with someone a time to be on the phone. I have 3 young children, so that just never seems to work. The interview would sound like this:
Yes, I really enjoyed writing Women's Work because it made me think about ROWAN! Get off your sister's head! the ways that men and women relate based on DO NOT put that cat in the dishwasher!!

[Lillian]

Thank you Feliks for the input!

Kari I agree with you, especially the kids part. My three year can ignore me all day but when I get on the phone he's in my face. Mama whatcha doin? Lol!