Buzz - How do you see yourself?
by John Wolf

We are all aware of needing a bio to keep handy to tell people about ourselves, but what should go in it when you go beyond the 'elevator speech?' Sometimes you find people talking to you and get hit with questions that throw you off guard. Many times people are interested in the answers to the same qustions. That is the theme of this month's Buzz. Be prepared like the proverbial boy scout.

One of the basic constituents authors need to produce is an interview to let the world know about your book. I propose a set of questions to keep handy incase the opportunity makes itself available. Along with a short bio and a sixty word blurb about your book, you need a solid set of who-done-its. You want people to know something they can jabber about to others and not have them think you are a mystery. Worst yet, never talk you up at all.

Here is a list of ideas for starters—what's your list look like?

• What’s your favorite place?
• What’s your favorite movie?
• What book has had the most impact on you?
• Which words or phrases do you tend to overuse?
• What’s your addiction?
• Whose shoes would you like to walk in for a day?
• If you could have any other profession, what would it be?
• What topic gets you the most fired up?
• What one hidden truth would you most like to uncover?
• What’s your motto?

By knowing yourself better, you can create a theme from which to build a taped interview—the next rung in the ladder of successful publishing.

How you see yourself may open your eyes to things you never considered before. Perception is important. You want readers to like what they see and the best impression comes from your open honesty based on knowing yourself.

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Somewhat related, how about the interview itself? Here are some pointers that should help you story-board an interview. You want to 'can' the interview and rehearse it. Spontaneity leads to rambling and boredom. You need to learn acting skills that make the discussion feel genuine, but get real, Hollywood is fake as a wooden flower, but actors are convincing. Make it between 3 and 7 minutes long. Any longer, and you will be the only one listening. The crowd will have departed.

• (If you have it)Book Trailer video to lead into the interview
• Why did you write this book?
• What was the premise?
• What are your readers looking for?
• What were you looking for?
• What led you to write the book?
• What experience did you base your book?
• What lessons did you learn from writing this book?
• What challenges did you meet while writing, promoting and publishing this book?
• Are there other themes you would like to write about?
• Do you have a message for the readers?
• Don't forget to include the website info and contact info

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