What exactly does that mean?
As a copywriter, I get the privilege of asking people questions on a regular basis. Case studies, new clients, and articles are just some of the reasons I ask questions.
Yesterday, I met an author on LinkedIn and she consented to an impromptu interview. Read on to learn a little about Rosemary Morgan and her book Realm of Vampires as well as interview tips to create a better article.
The interview was conducted via written chat as opposed to video. This was good and bad. Without the audio and visual, it’s harder to gauge interest and emotion that you might get from vocal or facial expressions.
Despite the format, Rosemary (Rose) was able to transmit her enthusiasm about her story. Her profile clearly states, “Author of Erotic Vampire books. Welcome to the Darkside.”
Working with limited knowledge and no preparation, I asked Rose who the audience for her novel is?
She immediately stated, “18 plus.”
When asked a little more about the erotic nature of her book, she said it was “hardcore.” Rose wants readers to know that there is a solid story backing up the sex. There is also genuine romance. Per Rose, “the romance was how the story untwined.”
Knowing where this article would be posted, I didn’t venture deeply into the sexually explicit side of Morgan’s novel. Instead, the plot became the focus.
Vampires have been an iconic part of literature for some time, so I asked Rose, “Why vampires?”
She said, “I love vampires and the supernatural.”
Most writers know it’s easier to write about what you know and love, so I decided to pivot and ask about what made her story different.
That’s when I learned that Morgan’s vampires were created at least partially in a lab. Using today’s medical knowledge and access to Dracula’s DNA, a new virus is born and spreads infecting even the scientists at the facility.
Rose states, “The infrastructure collapsed. Basically, the world went to bits as the virus spread. People were either turned or died.”
At this point, I was intrigued. With a lot of vampire literature out there, this was a new take on becoming one.
But Rose had more to share.
Her novel also includes witches with the ability to open time portals. Have you ever wanted to go back in time before you made that mistake? Would you want to go back in time to spend more time with someone? Using a portal in the novel didn’t guarantee a complete cure, but it provided options.
Rose has also created a heroine, Gloria, who is someone readers will root for. She’s a changed scientist and sword wielding warrior set on trying to save the world.
If you want to know more about Gloria and whether she succeeds or not, read Realm of Vampires by Rosemary Morgan.
Rose promises, “My book has everything from action to drama to romance.”
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Thanks to Rose for being willing to work with me. I look forward to reading a copy of her book.
In the meantime, here are some tips when you’re the one asking questions.
Be prepared. I wish I’d read the novel before the interview, but in the same breath, I haven’t ruined the end because I don’t know it. When writing a case study, you better know the end. It’s the beginning and middle you’re investigating.
Written questions were effective, but I would still recommend video and audio when available. There are clues you miss when you’re not “live.” Do both when possible.
Know your audience. Morgan’s book is for a mature audience. You must know your client’s audience before you start writing. Your writing is directed to prospects not the client.
Listen more than you talk. The interview is to learn about a client or a product, not you.
Be appreciative of the time you’re given. One great quotation may set the wheels in motion.