740 Questions to Ask an Author

Got a chance to chat with your favorite author? You’re not alone if you’re unsure what to ask. Knowing the right questions can lead to fascinating insights into their thoughts, work, and writing process.

We’ve compiled a comprehensive list of questions that you might ask an author – whether you’re curious about their inspiration, writing routine, or their latest book. Let’s delve into the captivating world of storytelling and discover what makes authors tick!

Questions to Ask an Author About Their Book

1. Can you describe the inspiration behind your book?
2. How did the title come about?
3. What was the most challenging part of writing this book?
4. Are the characters in your book based on people you know?
5. Which character in your book do you identify with most and why?
6. How much research did you have to do for this book, and how did you go about it?
7. Can you share your writing process? Do you have any rituals or routines when you write?
8. How did you approach the narrative structure and perspective in your book?
9. How did you keep the story engaging and prevent it from becoming predictable?
10. What do you want readers to take away from your book?
11. Did your initial vision of the book change as you were writing it?
12. How did you handle feedback and criticism during the editing process?
13. How do you handle the balance between providing enough detail for the reader to understand the setting and story but not too much that it becomes overwhelming?
14. How does this book compare to others you’ve written? Is there a common theme or thread in all your books?
15. Can you tell us about any particular scene that was particularly difficult or satisfying to write?
16. What would you have done differently now that the book is finished?
17. Are there any hidden messages or symbols that readers should look out for?
18. Is there a sequel or spin-off in the works? Can we expect to see more of these characters or this world?
19. How did you come up with the idea for your book?
20. Do you use any software or tools to aid your writing process?
21. What were some of the themes you wanted to explore in your book?
22. Can you talk about the development of the book’s main characters?
23. How did you decide on the setting for your book?
24. Can you discuss any major plot twists and what inspired them?
25. How do you create conflict in your stories?
26. Can you describe any cuts or changes that were made during the editing process?
27. Were there alternate endings you considered?
28. How did you go about creating a realistic dialogue in your book?
29. How do you feel about the genre of your book? Do you see yourself branching out to different genres in the future?
30. What part of your book did you enjoy writing the most?
31. How did you build the world in your book? Was it based on real places or entirely imagined?
32. How do you approach writing the first draft of a book?
33. Can you share a favorite line or quote from this book and the meaning behind it?
34. What impact has writing this book had on your personal life?
35. Did any real-life events influence the plot or characters of your book?
36. How long did it take from the first draft to the finished copy?
37. Did you consult any experts in the process of writing this book?
38. How do you handle plot holes or inconsistencies during your writing?
39. How do you decide when a chapter should end, and a new one begins?
40. Can you discuss the significance of the book’s cover design?
41. How does your book push boundaries within its genre?
42. Were there any surprises during your writing process?
43. What’s your favorite thing about the book’s protagonist?
44. How would you describe your relationship with your characters?
45. What were some risks you took in writing this book?
46. How does your book address current social or political issues?
47. What is your method for writing emotionally intense scenes?
48. What is your strategy for developing compelling secondary characters?
49. Can you describe a part of the book where you felt you grew as a writer?
50. How do you ensure that your book is diverse and inclusive?
51. How do you keep track of all the subplots within the main plot?
52. What was the most surprising thing you learned while writing this book?
53. If you were to adapt this book into another format (like a film or TV series), how would you approach it?
54. How do you incorporate humor or levity in your writing?
55. How did you maintain the pace and flow of the story?
56. Can you share any interesting anecdotes from the process of writing this book?
57. How do you handle the representation of different cultures or backgrounds in your book?
58. How did you ensure that the language and terminology used in the book were accurate and authentic?
59. What elements do you believe every good book should have?
60. How do you deal with sensitive or controversial topics in your writing?
61. How do you prevent your personal biases from influencing the narrative?
62. What was the first scene you wrote for this book?
63. How did you decide which point of view to write from?
64. Can you describe a scene that you feel particularly proud of?
65. How do you handle the expectations and pressures of your readers?
66. What aspects of your own personality can we see in your characters?
67. How do you celebrate when you finish writing this book?
68. Did you draw from other media, such as movies, music, or visual art, for inspiration?
69. What is the relationship between the book’s setting and its plot?
70. How did you tackle writing complex or difficult scenes?
71. Can you talk about the development of the book’s antagonist?
72. Did any of your characters change significantly from their original conception?
73. How does this book fit into the current literary landscape?
74. How do you keep your prose engaging and avoid clichés?
75. Did you ever consider giving up on this book? What kept you going?
76. How did you ensure the authenticity of your characters’ voices?
77. How do you approach incorporating symbolism or motifs into your story?
78. Can you describe a moment in the book that was inspired by a real-life event?
79. Were there times you had to step outside of your comfort zone to write this book?
80. What was the emotional journey of writing this book like for you?
81. How did you choose the first and last lines in your book?
82. If your readers could only remember one thing about your book, what would you want it to be?

Questions to Ask an Author at Book Club

1. Can you share some of the thought process behind the scenes or chapters that generated the most discussion in our group?
2. How do you feel about the various interpretations of your book that have been discussed today?
3. If you were a member of our book club, what question would you want to ask about your own book?
4. Were there parts of your book that readers interpreted differently than you intended?
5. How do you feel about the reactions and emotions that your book stirred in our book club?
6. Is there a question you wish readers would ask more about your book?
7. Which scenes of the book do you think are most pivotal, and why?
8. How do you view the protagonist’s actions and decisions?
9. How did you approach writing the end of the book, and did it change from your initial concept?
10. Do you feel that our book club’s location or cultural background has influenced our interpretation or understanding of your book?
11. Which parts of your book do you feel most personally connected to, and why?
12. How do you handle any potential backlash or controversy that arises from your book’s content?
13. What part of your book do you think makes it a good choice for book clubs to discuss?
14. How did you manage the timeline in your book and decide on the sequence of events?
15. If you could go back and change one thing about your book, what would it be?
16. Were there moments when you felt you were revealing too much or too little to the reader?
17. What was your biggest worry when releasing this book to the public?
18. How did you decide on the balance of dialogue versus description in your book?
19. Is there a message in your book that you think our book club may have overlooked?
20. How did you choose which aspects of a character’s backstory to reveal and which to keep hidden?
21. What role does the setting play in your book, and why did you choose it?
22. How did you decide on the tone and style of the book?
23. How did you ensure you were accurately portraying the time period or culture represented in your book?
24. How did you navigate the balance between satisfying the resolution and leaving some questions unanswered?
25. What scene in your book do you think is most misunderstood and why?
26. How do you handle the balance between writing what you believe in and what will sell or be popular with readers?
27. Can you share an interesting fact or detail about your book that isn’t immediately obvious?
28. What’s one subplot in your book that you wish had garnered more attention from readers?
29. If your book were to be made into a movie, who would you cast in the lead roles?
30. How do you develop a narrative voice for your characters?
31. How did you approach the incorporation of literary devices like foreshadowing or flashbacks in your book?
32. What kind of emotional response did you aim to evoke in your readers with your book?
33. How do you feel your writing has evolved since your first book, and in what ways does this book reflect that growth?
34. How do you hope your book influences or inspires your readers?
35. Can you explain the significance of the book’s title, and were there any other titles you considered?
36. Can you share a character or scene from your initial drafts that didn’t make it to the final version?
37. How do you approach writing about topics that may be outside of your own personal experience?
38. What was your main source of inspiration while developing the plot of your book?
39. How did you deal with the process of choosing the names of your characters?
40. How did you decide the right pace for revealing the major plot points?
41. What’s the backstory for one of the minor characters that we wouldn’t know from reading the book?
42. How did you develop the backstory for your characters and decide how much to share?
43. How do you maintain the consistency of characters throughout the book?
44. Were there any pivotal moments that drastically changed the direction of the story as you were writing?
45. How did you go about creating a balance between action-driven scenes and character introspection?
46. How do you incorporate elements of your own life or experiences into your characters or plot?
47. What are some themes you didn’t have space to explore fully but would’ve liked to?
48. How did you decide to split your book into chapters or sections?
49. Was the ending planned from the beginning, or did it evolve as the book progressed?
50. Are there any under-the-radar references or easter eggs in your book that readers might have missed?
51. Do you ever use your writing as a way to explore your own beliefs or views?
52. How do you keep track of character traits or plot points as you’re writing?
53. If your book were translated into another language, is there anything you would be worried might get lost in translation?
54. Do you ever use real-life dialogues or experiences in your narrative?
55. Can you talk about a character who evolved beyond your original conception of them?
56. How do you write with authenticity about experiences or places that are outside of your personal experience?
57. Do you consider your book to be part of a particular literary tradition?
58. How did you handle weaving in necessary exposition or backstory?
59. How did the editing process change your book?
60. Did you experience any surprises in the reactions of your early readers or editors?
61. How do you decide when a book or story is finished?
62. How does this book connect with or depart from your previous work?
63. How do you manage to keep the narrative engaging?
64. What are some of the details you paid particular attention to when writing?
65. Do you write with a particular audience in mind?
66. What are your own views on the central conflict in your book?
67. Can you share any experiences you had while promoting this book?

Questions to Ask an Author About Their Autobiography

1. What inspired you to write your autobiography at this point in your life?
2. How did you decide what parts of your life to include and what to omit from the book?
3. What was the most challenging part of your life to write about and why?
4. How did you approach writing about the people in your life without infringing on their privacy?
5. What aspect of your life do you think readers will find most surprising or interesting?
6. How did you handle the balance between personal reflection and factual narration?
7. Was there anything you were afraid to write about or felt uncomfortable including?
8. What do you hope readers will learn or take away from your life story?
9. How did you decide on the structure of your autobiography? Is it linear, thematic, or something else?
10. Did writing about your past cause you to see certain events or people in a new light?
11. Did you discover anything new about yourself while writing your autobiography?
12. How did you decide on the title of your autobiography?
13. Were there any parts of your life that you found particularly enjoyable or rewarding to write about?
14. Did you have any assistance in writing your autobiography, such as a ghostwriter or researcher?
15. How did you fact-check and verify the details from your past?
16. Were there any people in your life who didn’t want to be included in the book, and how did you handle that?
17. If there’s one moment or event you’d like your readers to remember from your autobiography, what would it be?
18. How do you feel about exposing such personal aspects of your life to the world?
19. Did you find writing your autobiography to be a therapeutic process?
20. How did you handle writing about painful or challenging periods in your life?
21. What reactions have you received from those featured or mentioned in your book?
22. Was there an aspect of your life you wished to highlight in your autobiography?
23. How did you manage to keep a fair and balanced view of events and people in your life?
24. Did writing this autobiography change your perception or understanding of any events in your life?
25. Was it difficult to decide where to end your autobiography?
26. How did you handle the potential bias of presenting events from your perspective?
27. Did you learn anything about the art of writing while working on your autobiography?
28. How did you decide on the voice and tone to use in your autobiography?
29. How has your family reacted to your autobiography?
30. Did you include any historical or social events in your autobiography? If so, why were these important to include?
31. Did you leave anything out of your autobiography that you regret now?
32. How did you determine the level of personal detail to include in the book?
33. Did you consult anyone else’s memories when you were writing about past events?
34. How did you deal with the memories that were lost in time?
35. Did writing your autobiography change your relationship with any people or places in your life?
36. In your autobiography, did you feel a need to protect anyone, and how did that affect your writing?
37. How did you approach potentially contentious or divisive issues in your life?
38. What advice do you have for someone looking to write their own autobiography?
39. How did you go about recalling dialogues and conversations for your book?
40. How did the process of writing your autobiography impact your daily life?
41. How did you ensure your own biases didn’t overly influence the narrative of your life story?
42. Is there anything you wrote that you are worried about being misunderstood?
43. Did you discover any common themes or patterns in your life while writing your autobiography?
44. Was there any part of the book where you decided to let go of accuracy in favor of storytelling?
45. How did writing about your life help you understand yourself better?
46. What parts of your life were the most difficult to put into words?
47. Were you influenced by any other autobiographies while writing your own?
48. If you could go back and change any aspect of your life, what would it be and why?
49. How did you balance the need for honesty with the desire to present your life in a certain way?
50. Did you find any common misconceptions people had about you that you wanted to correct in your autobiography?
51. How did you determine the opening scene for your autobiography?
52. Were there any significant experiences you had after finishing the book that you wish you could have included?
53. Did you find humor to be an important tool when recounting certain events in your life?
54. What piece of advice would you give to your younger self based on what you’ve written?
55. How have your friends and colleagues reacted to the personal stories you’ve shared?
56. Did writing your autobiography make you reconsider any of your previous decisions?
57. Did you write your life events chronologically or did you follow a different structure?
58. How did you decide which pictures or documents, if any, to include in your autobiography?
59. Was there an experience you felt was too personal or too fresh to delve into?
60. How did you navigate writing about people who may have a different perspective on the events you described?
61. How did you write about your achievements without sounding self-congratulatory?
62. How did you approach writing about failures, regrets, or mistakes in your life?
63. Did you feel the need to settle scores or clarify controversies through your autobiography?
64. What did the process of writing an autobiography teach you about storytelling?
65. What kind of feedback have you received about your autobiography that has surprised you?
66. Was there a moment in your life that you felt was insignificant but became significant when you started writing about it?
67. How did you approach writing about times when you were not proud of your actions?
68. How did you feel about the prospect of your readers knowing your life so intimately?
69. How did you navigate the difference between how you experienced events and how others might have experienced them?
70. If your autobiography were to be made into a film, who would you want to play you?
71. Did writing your autobiography give you closure or perspective on any past experiences?
72. How did you decide which parts of your life needed more detail and which parts needed less?
73. Did you find writing your autobiography to be a lonely process, or did it make you feel more connected to others?
74. What do you think sets your autobiography apart from others?
75. How did you prepare mentally and emotionally to write about your past?
76. How do you feel now that your life is permanently recorded in the form of an autobiography?
77. If you could choose one part of your autobiography to rewrite or expand upon, what would it be?
78. Did you find the process of writing an autobiography more challenging than other forms of writing?
79. How do you hope your autobiography will be perceived by future generations?
80. How did you work through moments of writer’s block or difficulty when recounting certain parts of your life?
81. What role did forgiveness, if any, play in your ability to write about your life so openly?
82. How do you think your autobiography contributes to the genre?
83. How did you tackle any potential legal issues that could arise from recounting real events and people?
84. What, if anything, do you hope to achieve with the release of your autobiography?
85. How did you maintain a sense of objectivity and honesty when discussing your own personal history?
86. Did you write your autobiography with a specific audience or demographic in mind?
87. Were there any particular books or authors that influenced your approach to writing an autobiography?
88. If you had the chance to write another autobiography, what would you do differently?
89. Have you found there to be a difference in how different generations have responded to your autobiography?
90. How did you manage the pressure of writing an autobiography, knowing that it would be a permanent record of your life?
91. Were there parts of your autobiography that you found particularly enjoyable or satisfying to write?
92. Was there a specific event that triggered the decision to start writing your autobiography?
93. Did you find certain memories altering or becoming clearer as you were writing about them?
94. How did you feel immediately after completing the final draft of your autobiography?
95. Did you show drafts of your autobiography to friends or family members before publication?
96. Were there moments in your autobiography when you felt like you were writing about someone else’s life?
97. Did writing this autobiography help you make peace with any aspects of your past?
98. What was the biggest risk you took in writing your autobiography?
99. How have your readers responded to your life’s trials and triumphs as depicted in your autobiography?
100. Did you receive any surprising reactions from people who were part of your story after they read your autobiography?
101. How much influence did your editor or publisher have on the final version of your autobiography?
102. Did you explore any themes in your autobiography that you had not initially anticipated?
103. Were there any parts of your autobiography that you rewrote multiple times to capture just right?
104. How did you decide on the balance between your professional and personal life in your autobiography?
105. Did you ever worry about your autobiography not being relatable to the reader?
106. Did you encounter any surprising difficulties when writing about seemingly ordinary or mundane parts of your life?
107. How did you handle the responsibility of depicting other people’s actions and words accurately?
108. Were you concerned about how your future would be influenced by the publication of your autobiography?
109. How did you maintain motivation throughout the process of writing your autobiography?
110. What aspects of your life do you think readers have related to the most?
111. Were there any elements of your autobiography that you purposefully left ambiguous or open to interpretation?
112. Did you have any readers or critics in mind while writing your autobiography?
113. Was it a conscious decision to end your autobiography at a certain point in your life, or did it feel like a natural stopping point?
114. Was there an aspect of your character or personal growth that was particularly challenging to convey in your autobiography?
115. Was there a sense of relief or accomplishment when you completed your autobiography, or did you find yourself wanting to add more to it?

Questions to Ask an Author About Writing

1. How do you keep your narrative engaging and prevent it from lagging?
2. How do you incorporate elements of your personal experience into your writing?
3. How do you approach writing dialogue?
4. Can you share some of your strategies for editing and revising your work?
5. How do you know when a piece is ready to be published?
6. What is the most challenging part of the writing process for you, and how do you handle it?
7. How do you balance showing vs. telling in your writing?
8. What writers or books have had the most significant impact on your writing style?
9. How do you handle the stress and pressure that can come with writing, especially during deadlines?
10. How do you maintain the motivation and discipline needed to write regularly?
11. How do you navigate writing about sensitive or controversial topics?
12. Do you prefer to write by hand, type on a computer, or use a typewriter? Why?
13. Do you write in chronological order or do you jump around?
14. How much research do you typically do for your books, and how do you go about it?
15. How do you decide on the point of view for your stories?
16. How do you balance developing plot versus character in your writing?
17. How do you create conflict and tension in your narratives?
18. What strategies do you use to keep track of plot details, character development, and other elements in your stories?
19. How do you approach creating unique and distinct voices for your characters?
20. Can you talk about a time when a story took an unexpected turn as you were writing it?
21. What is your approach to incorporating feedback or critique into your drafts?
22. Do you ever experience self-doubt in your writing process? How do you handle it?
23. Can you tell us about a piece of writing advice that has stuck with you over the years?
24. How do you navigate and negotiate with the editorial changes suggested by your publisher or editor?
25. How do you balance writing with the business side of being a writer, such as marketing and public relations?
26. How do you handle the issue of cultural appropriation in your writing?
27. What are the key ingredients for a compelling story, according to you?
28. How do you decide when a character’s journey is complete?
29. What are some of the themes or questions that you find yourself returning to in your writing?
30. Do you prefer to write in silence, or do you have a specific soundtrack that helps you focus?
31. How do you keep track of your ideas or inspirations when you are away from your desk?
32. How do you write about places or settings you’ve never personally visited?
33. What’s the hardest scene you’ve ever had to write and why?
34. How do you balance writing with other aspects of your life, such as family, job, or hobbies?
35. How do you approach writing the first draft? Do you aim for perfection or just getting the story out?
36. How important is the title of the book for you? Do you start with it or does it come at the end?
37. How do you handle writing emotionally charged or intense scenes?
38. How much does reader expectation influence your writing, if at all?
39. How do you ensure you’re accurately representing diverse characters or experiences in your writing?
40. How do you handle it when a character seems to develop a mind of their own?
41. What kind of planning do you do before starting a new book or series?
42. Can you discuss a time when a book didn’t go as planned? How did you adapt?
43. How do you approach writing about historical periods or events?
44. What is your approach to incorporating humor or levity into your writing?
45. How do you approach writing different genres? Are there any that you find particularly challenging?
46. Do you have a favorite place or environment in which to write?
47. Do you ever base your characters on people you know in real life? If so, how do you ensure their anonymity?
48. Do you write with a particular audience in mind, or do you write the story as you see it and let the audience find you?
49. What strategies do you use to ensure you’re staying true to the character’s voice throughout the book?
50. How do you decide which scenes are necessary for your narrative and which ones to cut out?
51. Have you ever written something that surprised you, where did the inspiration come from?
52. Do you ever experience post-book blues? If so, how do you deal with it?
53. Can you tell us about any books or authors that heavily influenced your writing style?
54. Do you make use of any writing tools or software to aid in your writing process?
55. How do you approach incorporating themes or messages into your work without making them overly explicit?
56. Do you prefer writing short stories or full-length novels? Why?
57. How do you approach endings? Do you prefer open-ended or closed endings, and why?
58. Do you read your book reviews? How do you deal with both good and bad ones?
59. Can you share an example of a time you had to make a difficult decision in your writing?
60. Have you ever had to deal with legal issues in your writing, such as libel or copyright?
61. How do you decide how much exposition or backstory to include in your writing?
62. Have there been moments in your writing career that made you consider quitting? How did you overcome them?
63. How has your writing routine changed over time?
64. Do you have any superstitions related to your writing process?
65. Can you describe a time when a real-life experience influenced a scene or character in your writing?
66. How do you approach the balance between writing what you want to write and what you think will sell?
67. How do you decide the length of your chapters? Is it intuitive or planned?
68. Do you ever co-write with other authors? If so, how does that process work?
69. What are some of the biggest mistakes you’ve made in your writing journey, and what did you learn from them?
70. How do you approach writing complex, multi-dimensional antagonists?
71. Do you have a system for tracking the details and development of your characters?
72. How do you decide when and where to incorporate plot twists?
73. Do you write with a particular emotional impact in mind for your readers?
74. How do you approach writing a series, and how does it differ from writing standalone books?
75. What role does your personal belief system play in your writing?
76. Have you ever disagreed with an editor’s suggestion? How was it resolved?
77. Do you ever return to your published works and wish you could change something?
78. How do you decide which genre your idea best fits into?
79. How has your writing process been influenced by changes in the publishing industry?
80. Can you share a piece of advice you wish you had known when you first started writing?
81. How do you incorporate your lived experiences into a fictional narrative without making it autobiographical?
82. What is your opinion on self-publishing versus traditional publishing?
83. How do you tackle the challenge of making your characters relatable to the reader?
84. Do you have any writing quirks or habits that you think are unique to you?
85. Do you think about potential film or TV adaptations when you’re writing?
86. How do you weave in different subplots without losing focus on the main plot?
87. How do you manage the expectations of your readers, especially when writing a series?
88. Do you incorporate elements of myth, folklore, or fairy tales in your writing?
89. How do you ensure your writing continues to evolve and doesn’t become formulaic?
90. Have you ever considered using a pseudonym? If so, why?
91. How do you take care of your mental health during the emotionally taxing process of writing?
92. How do you decide which time period to set your book in?
93. Do you believe in “write what you know” or “write what you want to know“?
94. Can you share a memorable fan interaction that had an impact on your writing?
95. How do you refresh your creativity when it feels depleted?
96. Do you ever use the technique of foreshadowing in your writing? If yes, how do you ensure it’s subtle yet effective?
97. How do you manage to keep your narrative engaging and avoid info-dumps when writing about complex or technical topics?
98. Do you set word count goals for yourself when writing? How do you maintain discipline?
99. How do you handle continuity in your writing, especially in a long series?
100. Have you ever experimented with writing in a different language or dialect?
101. How do you write convincingly about experiences that you haven’t personally gone through?
102. What role do beta readers play in your writing process?
103. Do you ever experiment with different formats, such as writing a screenplay, poem, or a song?
104. How do you know when it’s time to end a series or say goodbye to a character?
105. How do you write about personal relationships and dynamics between characters?
106. What strategies do you use to make sure your protagonist is multi-dimensional and realistic?
107. How do you weave elements of suspense and surprise into your story?
108. How do you handle situations where your characters need to show growth or change?
109. Have you ever taken a hiatus from writing? If so, what led to it and how did you return?
110. Do you ever create detailed outlines, or do you discover your story as you write it?
111. Do you ever get attached to your characters? How do you handle it when you finish writing their stories?
112. Have you ever been surprised by the success of one of your works? If so, how did it affect your subsequent writing?

Questions to Ask an Author About Their Article

1. What inspired you to write this particular article?
2. How did you decide on the title for this article?
3. Can you discuss the research process that went into writing this article?
4. How long did it take to write this article, from conception to publication?
5. Who is the intended audience for this article?
6. What is the main message or argument you wanted to get across in this article?
7. What challenges did you face while writing this article?
8. What was the most surprising thing you learned while researching for this article?
9. How do you approach incorporating your own voice and perspective into your articles?
10. Were there any important points that you had to leave out due to length constraints?
11. What do you hope readers take away from this article?
12. How does this article relate to your other work, if at all?
13. Can you discuss any feedback or responses you’ve received from this article?
14. Do you have any follow-up articles planned on this topic?
15. How do you handle potential bias when writing on contentious topics?
16. How do you decide which sources to include in your article?
17. What is your process for editing and revising your articles?
18. How do you handle writer’s block when working on a deadline for an article?
19. Can you discuss any ethical considerations you had while writing this article?
20. How does this article contribute to the broader conversation on the topic?
21. How do you decide the structure or flow of your article?
22. Did writing this article change your perspective on the topic? If so, how?
23. Are there any common misconceptions about the topic that you aimed to clear up in this article?
24. How do you handle conflicting viewpoints or data when writing on this topic?
25. What motivates you to write articles on complex or controversial subjects?
26. How do you decide when to use charts, graphs, or other visual aids in your article?
27. How do you balance providing enough context for readers unfamiliar with the topic without overloading the article with information?
28. How do you choose which experts or sources to interview or quote in your article?
29. How do you approach writing an engaging introduction to capture readers’ attention?
30. What strategies do you use to make technical or complex subjects accessible to a general audience?
31. How do you incorporate feedback from editors or peer reviewers into your work?
32. Did you face any unexpected challenges or discoveries while writing this article?
33. How do you balance personal experience and objective reporting in your articles?
34. How do you handle any anxiety or stress associated with publishing your work, especially on hot-button issues?
35. Were there any parts of the article that you rewrote multiple times? If so, why?
36. How do you navigate potential conflicts of interest in your work?
37. What’s the best piece of advice you’ve received about journalistic writing that you applied in this article?
38. Are there any interesting stories or anecdotes from behind the scenes of writing this article that you’d like to share?
39. What is your take on the future of this topic? Do you plan to revisit it in subsequent articles?
40. How do you ensure your article stands out amongst other articles on the same topic?
41. Have there been any real-world impacts or actions as a result of your article?
42. How did you decide which details to include and which to leave out in your article?
43. How do you keep your writing style consistent across your articles?
44. Have you ever had to write a correction or retraction for any of your articles? If so, how did you handle that situation?
45. How do you approach the use of jargon or industry-specific language in your articles?
46. How do you balance your personal writing projects with assigned articles?
47. How do you incorporate SEO (Search Engine Optimization) techniques into your writing?
48. How do you make sure that your article remains engaging and interesting, even if the topic may be considered dry or dense?
49. Do you use any software or tools to aid in the writing or research process?
50. How do you handle situations where the people or organizations you’re writing about are unresponsive or unwilling to participate?
51. What is your strategy for effective endnotes or footnotes in your articles?
52. How do you decide the right length for an article on a given topic?
53. How do you balance writing for an online audience versus a print audience?
54. How do you make sure your articles stay relevant and timely in a rapidly changing news environment?
55. What strategies do you employ to ensure your conclusion is impactful and resonates with the reader?
56. Have you ever had to drastically change the direction of an article midway through writing it? If so, what led to that?
57. How do you handle the inclusion of potentially triggering content in your articles?
58. How do you ensure that your writing stays fresh and original, especially when writing on a popular or frequently-discussed topic?
59. How do you engage with your readers in the comments section or on social media about your articles?
60. How do you incorporate humor, if at all, into your articles?
61. Have your articles ever sparked unexpected debates or discussions?
62. How do you handle situations where your article may not be received well by some segments of your readership?
63. How do you deal with periods of burnout or lack of inspiration in your article writing?
64. Do you ever revisit or revise your old articles? If so, what prompts that?
65. How do you deal with distractions or interruptions when you’re in the middle of writing an article?
66. How do you ensure that your point of view or opinion doesn’t overshadow the information or story in your articles?
67. How do you build and maintain trust with your readers through your articles?
68. How do you write effective headlines that accurately represent your articles and attract readers?
69. Have you ever had an article that you felt didn’t get the attention or response it deserved?
70. What is your approach to writing a compelling lead paragraph?
71. How do you navigate writing about topics that you’re not particularly passionate about?
72. Have you ever written an article that significantly challenged or changed your pre-existing notions or beliefs?
73. What are your thoughts on the use of pseudonyms or anonymity in article writing?
74. Do you find that reader feedback influences your perspective or approach in subsequent articles? If so, how?
75. How do you deal with the demands of staying updated in an ever-evolving field of writing?
76. Have there been instances when your articles were interpreted differently than you intended? How did you handle it?
77. How do you handle the balance between maintaining professional distance and empathy when writing about sensitive subjects?
78. How do you incorporate diversity and inclusivity in your article writing?
79. How do you determine the level of complexity suitable for your target audience?
80. What role does data and analytics play in shaping your articles or deciding on a topic?
81. How do you handle sources that might have a conflict of interest about the article’s topic?
82. Can you share an instance where an article you wrote had a significant impact on your career?
83. How important is networking in your line of work, and how has it influenced your articles?
84. How have changes in digital media impacted the way you write or plan your articles?
85. What strategies do you use to check the readability of your articles?
86. Have you ever had to defend your article or sources in a public or professional setting?
87. How do you manage your time when working on multiple articles simultaneously?
88. How do you incorporate storytelling techniques in your article writing?
89. What are some of the important lessons you’ve learned from writing articles over the years?
90. How do you write an effective call-to-action in your articles?
91. Have you ever had to write an article on a topic outside of your area of expertise? How did you approach it?
92. How do you ensure you respect the privacy and rights of individuals or groups when writing about them?
93. How do you keep up with the changing trends and expectations in article writing?
94. Can you share your experience with articles that took a very long time to write or publish?
95. Have you ever had to reject or withdraw an article? If so, why?
96. How do you handle the balance between providing enough details and not overloading the reader with too much information?
97. How do you manage the transition between different sections or points in your article?
98. Have there been articles where you had to collaborate with others? How was that experience?
99. How do you handle writing about a topic that has been widely covered by other writers?
100. What is your approach to writing article series or multi-part articles?

Questions to Ask an Author About Their Career

1. When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?
2. Can you describe your journey to becoming a published author?
3. What challenges have you faced in your writing career and how did you overcome them?
4. What are some of the highs and lows you’ve experienced in your career?
5. How have you evolved as a writer over the course of your career?
6. Can you name a book or author who has greatly influenced your writing career?
7. What’s the best advice you’ve ever received about writing?
8. Can you share any unexpected or surprising experiences you’ve had in your writing career?
9. How do you handle criticism and rejection?
10. How do you balance your writing career with other responsibilities and interests?
11. How has the publishing industry changed since you started your career?
12. Can you tell us about any mentorship or collaboration experiences you’ve had in your career?
13. Have there been any themes or topics that you’ve found yourself returning to again and again in your work?
14. How has your career as a writer affected your personal life and relationships?
15. Can you describe your writing process and how it has evolved over time?
16. How do you stay motivated and disciplined in your writing practice?
17. What are some of the current projects you’re working on?
18. If you could give one piece of advice to aspiring writers, what would it be?
19. How do you envision the future of your writing career? What goals or aspirations do you have?
20. Have you ever experimented with different genres? If so, what was that experience like?
21. How do you handle the pressure and expectations that come with being a published author?
22. Do you have a memorable fan interaction that you can share?
23. Have you ever considered quitting writing? If so, what made you persevere?
24. What is the most important lesson you’ve learned in your career as a writer?
25. How do you incorporate feedback into your writing process?
26. How do you stay connected with your audience or readership?
27. Do you ever collaborate with other authors or writers? What is that process like?
28. Can you share an instance where something you wrote had a profound impact on a reader?
29. What role does social media play in your career as an author?
30. How do you manage your mental and emotional health given the solitary nature of writing?
31. How do you navigate the business aspects of being a writer, such as contracts, royalties, etc.?
32. Have you ever had to defend your work or your views as a writer?
33. What’s the most unusual place or time you’ve found inspiration for your writing?
34. How do you handle it when people you know see themselves in your characters?
35. How do you ensure your writing stays relevant to the current social and cultural context?
36. What role does research play in your writing process?
37. Have you ever taught writing? If so, how has that influenced your own work?
38. Do you feel you have achieved what you originally set out to do in your career as a writer?
39. Has there been a book or project that you found particularly challenging to complete?
40. How do you deal with distractions or interruptions during your writing process?
41. Have you ever had an unexpected response to one of your works, either positive or negative?
42. How have changes in the publishing landscape affected your career trajectory?
43. Have you ever had to write something out of your comfort zone? What was the experience like?
44. How do you keep your writing skills sharp?
45. What do you wish you knew when you first started your writing career?
46. How do you maintain a connection to your audience in an increasingly digital age?
47. Can you share an instance when you felt especially proud of a piece you’ve written?
48. Has there been a moment in your career that made all the hard work feel worth it?
49. Have you ever had to handle controversy or backlash related to your work?
50. How has travel or living in different places influenced your work?
51. Have you noticed a change in your readership over the course of your career?
52. Can you share an instance when an unexpected event or person influenced your work?
53. How do you feel about translations of your work? Do you participate in the translation process?
54. How do you go about creating and maintaining your author brand or image?
55. Have your reasons or motivations for writing changed over the course of your career?
56. What does success as a writer look like to you?
57. Has your work ever been adapted into another format like film or theatre? If so, what was your involvement in the process?
58. Have you ever dealt with imposter syndrome in your career? How did you overcome it?
59. Have you had to make any sacrifices in your personal life for your writing career?
60. How does your family feel about your writing career? Have they influenced your work in any way?
61. How do you handle the uncertainties and insecurities of a writing career?
62. How do you incorporate trends or market demands into your writing while still maintaining your unique voice?
63. Have you ever faced a situation where your work was pirated or used without your permission? How did you deal with it?
64. What kind of legacy do you hope to leave with your work?
65. Has there been a point in your career where you’ve felt stuck? How did you move forward?
66. How do you incorporate your cultural background or personal values into your writing?
67. What are your thoughts on literary awards? Has winning (or not winning) any awards impacted your career in any way?
68. Have you ever regretted publishing a particular work? If so, why?
69. What is the most unexpected thing you’ve learned about yourself through your writing career?
70. Has your career as a writer affected your ability to enjoy reading for pleasure?
71. Has there been a particularly formative rejection or critique in your career?
72. What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a published author for you?
73. What role does networking play in your career as a writer?
74. Have you ever had to deal with plagiarism, either as the one being plagiarized or being accused of it?
75. How do you keep your content original and avoid clichés or stereotypes?
76. How does the current political or social climate affect your writing, if at all?
77. Have you ever used your writing as a form of activism?
78. What’s something about the life of a professional writer that you think most people don’t understand or have misconceptions about?
79. Can you share a time when you’ve made a major change to a work based on someone else’s feedback?
80. How do you handle the competition in the writing industry?
81. Have you ever had to adapt your writing style to suit a specific audience or market?
82. Have there been times when you had to advocate for your work or defend your creative choices?
83. How do you decide what to include in your author bio or how to present yourself publicly?
84. How do you deal with the fear of being forgotten or becoming irrelevant in the fast-paced literary world?
85. Have you ever doubted your talent as a writer? How did you overcome these doubts?
86. Can you share a time when you received fan mail that deeply touched you?
87. Can you share an instance where you received advice that made a significant difference in your career?

Questions to Ask an Author During an Interview

1. Can you tell us about your latest book and the inspiration behind it?
2. How does your background and personal life influence your writing?
3. What kind of reader do you think will most enjoy your book?
4. How did you get into writing? Was there a defining moment that made you want to be an author?
5. How do you deal with negative reviews?
6. Which authors inspire you, and why?
7. Can you describe your writing routine?
8. Which character from your works do you feel most connected to, and why?
9. What was the most difficult part of writing your latest book?
10. What advice would you give to aspiring authors?
11. How did publishing your first book change your writing process?
12. Have you ever experienced writer’s block, and if so, how do you overcome it?
13. What are your ambitions for your writing career?
14. Can you share some details about your upcoming project?
15. What are the main themes in your book, and why are they important to you?
16. How do you balance making demands on the reader with taking care of the reader?
17. What is your favorite part of the writing process?
18. If you could tell your younger writing self anything, what would it be?
19. How do you celebrate when you finish a book?
20. How has your writing evolved over time?
21. Can you tell us about a time when you took a big risk in your writing?
22. Is there a scene in your latest book that you love the most? Why?
23. How have readers responded to your work? Any memorable interactions?
24. What’s the most significant way your writing has changed since you started?
25. How do you decide on the titles of your books?
26. What has been the most challenging part of your writing journey?
27. What books or authors are you currently reading or recommend?
28. How has your environment/upbringing influenced your writing?
29. Is there a subgenre or type of character that you haven’t written yet but would like to explore?
30. What’s something surprising you learned while writing your latest book?
31. Can you describe the moment you truly felt like an author?
32. Have you ever received a piece of advice about writing that you always keep in mind?
33. Do you have any writing superstitions or rituals?
34. What is the most daring thing you’ve done in your writing?
35. Have you ever written something that shocked you?
36. How does your day job or previous work experience influence your writing?
37. How do you stay grounded and focused amidst the success and pressures of being an author?
38. Do you feel a sense of responsibility as a writer?
39. How do you manage the uncertainty and vulnerability of being an author?
40. Can you share a highlight from your writing career?
41. How do you handle it when a book doesn’t go as planned?
42. What is the most fulfilling part of being a writer?
43. How do you deal with the isolation that comes with writing?
44. Have your family and friends read your books? What do they think?
45. How do you handle periods of low creativity or inspiration?
46. What do you want readers to take away from your books?
47. How do you ensure your books stand out in a crowded market?
48. What is the biggest misconception people have about being an author?
49. What do you think is the future of book publishing?
50. What impact do you think social media has on the author-reader relationship?
51. What’s your opinion on audiobooks, and have you considered converting your books into audio format?
52. Can you talk about your experiences with book signings and author events?
53. Do you have any thoughts on self-publishing versus traditional publishing?
54. How do you balance writing with other aspects of your life, like family, work, or hobbies?
55. How did you celebrate the publication of your first book?
56. What was your hardest scene to write so far and why?
57. Has writing changed how you read books now?
58. Do you prefer writing standalone novels or developing series?
59. Can you discuss a plot point in your book that changed drastically from the initial plan?
60. How do you write about places or periods that you haven’t personally experienced?
61. How do you deal with the anticipation and anxiety of a book release?
62. If you could give your main character a piece of advice, what would it be?
63. If you could collaborate with any author, dead or alive, who would it be and why?
64. Do you write multiple drafts or mostly get it right the first time?
65. What writing trends or genre developments are you most excited about
66. Have your characters ever done something you didn’t expect, changing your plot completely?
67. What’s the most memorable piece of fan mail you’ve received?
68. What do you wish people would ask about your book, but they never do?
69. What’s a favorite quote from one of your books, and why does it resonate with you?
70. How do you approach developing secondary characters?
71. What role does your book’s setting play in your work?
72. How do you deal with the pressure to surpass the success of your previous books?
73. How do you handle the expectation to be prolific and constantly producing new work?

Thought-Provoking Questions to Ask an Author

1. How has your perspective of the world changed since you became a writer?
2. How has your understanding of humanity and human nature informed your characters and narratives?
3. If you could converse with any of your characters, who would it be and why?
4. What do you think your responsibility is as a writer in today’s socio-political climate?
5. What philosophical or moral questions does your work explore?
6. How does your understanding of mortality affect your writing, if at all?
7. How have your experiences of love, loss, and other powerful emotions informed your narratives?
8. What do you think the role of fiction is in shaping public discourse and opinion?
9. How does the concept of truth play out in your work, especially in a world of ‘alternative facts‘ and misinformation?
10. What do you believe is the future of literature in an increasingly digital and AI-influenced world?
11. Do you think that authors have an obligation to tackle difficult or controversial topics?
12. In your opinion, what is the role of the writer in society?
13. How does your work grapple with the concept of identity?
14. How does your work challenge or conform to the genre conventions it falls within?
15. What does it mean to be an ethical writer?
16. How do you think climate change and other pressing global issues should be addressed in literature?
17. How do you deal with the inherent power dynamic between the writer and reader?
18. How do you approach the representation of historically marginalized or underrepresented groups in your work?
19. Do you believe that books have the power to change society? If so, how does this belief influence your writing?
20. Do you believe that all stories are in some way political? How does this reflect in your work?
21. How do you think the human experience is captured and reflected in your work?
22. How do you define success in terms of your writing?
23. Have you ever changed your views on a subject as a result of the research you did for a book?
24. How does your work contribute to discussions of mental health?
25. How do you balance creativity and the drive for commercial success?
26. How has writing changed the way you read?
27. What is your view on self-censorship? Have you ever held back from writing something because of how it might be received?
28. How does your writing explore the concept of home and belonging?
29. How does your work challenge the status quo?
30. Have you ever encountered a moral or ethical crossroad while crafting your narratives?
31. How has your perception of yourself changed since becoming a published author?
32. What does ‘literary merit‘ mean to you, and do you strive for it in your work?
33. How do you navigate writing about cultures or experiences different from your own without falling into the trap of cultural appropriation?
34. In a world where everything seems to have been written, how do you find and maintain your originality?
35. Do you think literature has the power to promote empathy in society? If so, how do you incorporate this into your writing?
36. Do you believe there’s such a thing as ‘the death of the author‘, where once a book is published, the author’s intentions don’t matter as much as the reader’s interpretation? If so, how does this affect your writing process?
37. How do you navigate the line between fiction and reality in your work?
38. How do you grapple with depicting violence or hardship in your narratives?
39. What do you think is the role of the author in creating a better society?
40. Do you think your writing carries a message or a lesson, or is it meant to ask questions rather than provide answers?
41. How do you define ‘good writing’? Does your definition affect the way you write?
42. How do you wish to be remembered in the literary world?
43. What does it mean to you to live a ‘writer’s life‘?
44. Have you ever considered how your work may be read and interpreted by future generations?
45. In an age of increasing digital content, how do you see the future of print books?
46. How does your work reflect the era in which it was written?
47. Have you ever questioned your decision to become a writer? What led you to continue?
48. How does your work address the idea of privilege?
49. Have you ever been surprised by your own work in terms of themes or ideas that emerged?
50. How do you ensure that you are being honest in your writing?
51. What is the most unusual source of inspiration you’ve ever used in your writing?
52. Do you believe that authors should remain detached from their characters, or is emotional investment important?
53. How do you handle the risk of stereotyping your characters?
54. What, in your opinion, are the benefits and drawbacks of literary awards?

Fun Questions to Ask an Author

1. Do you listen to music or prefer silence when writing?
2. If you could have dinner with any of your characters, who would it be and why?
3. If your life was a book, what would its title be?
4. Which book do you wish you could have written?
5. If you were stranded on a deserted island, which three books would you want to have with you?
6. If you could live in any literary world for a day, which one would you choose?
7. What is your most unusual writing habit?
8. If your latest book was turned into a movie, who would you want to play the main characters?
9. If you could choose a mascot for your writing, what would it be?
10. What’s the weirdest thing you’ve had to research for a book?
11. Which character from literature would you love to be friends with in real life?
12. If your book was a dish, what would it be and why?
13. If you were not a writer, what profession would you have chosen?
14. What’s your favorite line or quote from any book you’ve written?
15. What is the strangest place you’ve ever come up with a new story idea?
16. If you could go on a road trip with any author, dead or alive, who would it be?
17. Do you have a favorite writing snack or drink?
18. If you could be any character from any book, who would you choose and why?
19. Which book that you’ve written would you like to see turned into a board game and why?
20. If you could have a superpower, what would it be, and would you use it in your writing process?
21. What is your favorite word, and why?
22. If your writing style was a type of music, what would it be?
23. If you could teleport to any location in the world for writing inspiration, where would you go?
24. Which fictional villain do you secretly admire, and why?
25. If you could co-write a book with another author, who would it be?
26. If a genie could grant you three writing-related wishes, what would they be?
27. Have you ever hidden any secrets or Easter eggs in your books?
28. If you could time travel, would you choose to visit the past or the future, and why?
29. If your main character were an animal, what would they be?
30. What’s the most amusing typo you’ve ever made?
31. Have you ever had a dream that inspired a story or scene in one of your books?
32. If your writing could have a signature cocktail, what would it be?
33. Do you have any quirky writing rituals?
34. What’s the funniest fan interaction you’ve ever had?
35. If you had a chance to have dinner with any fictional character (not your own), who would it be and why?
36. What’s the title of the current chapter of your life?
37. If one of your characters could come to life for a day, who would you choose?
38. Which fictional world would you least like to live in?
39. What’s the funniest thing you’ve read about yourself on the internet?
40. Have you ever been pranked or surprised by your editor or publisher?
41. What’s the most memorable dream you’ve had, and has it influenced your writing?
42. If you could only write at tourist spots, where would you set up your ‘office‘?
43. What fictional job would you want to have for a day?
44. If you could choose an animal to be your writing mascot, what would it be and why?
45. Do you remember any funny or interesting fan theories about your books?
46. What’s the most peculiar object on your desk?
47. If your latest book was a theme park ride, what would it be?
48. If your writing was a scent, what would it be and why?
49. If you could rewrite the ending of any book (not your own), which one would it be and why?
50. If you could give any character from literature a happy ending, who would it be and why?

Frequently Asked Questions