So you’ve found your expert. You’ve both agreed on a time (or place) to do interview. Now you need to prepare for the interview, and choose the tools you’ll use for the interview, and then decide on how to use the information you receive.

Preparation

The first thing you want to do is get organized. Have all your previous research in front of you. Using that research, write down the questions that will help fill in the blanks in that research. Get the layman definitions of medical terms, or slang that would be used for certain police procedures…etc. These are questions that won’t be found on the internet. Decide if you want to record the interview. Most phones now have a device that will allow you to record the conversation, but let your expert know that the conversation is being recorded before doing so. Once you have several questions lined up—and plenty of paper, pens or your trusty phone—then you are ready to begin the interview. But how should you conduct it? By phone or in person?

In-Person

Let’s say your expert lives in your city. (For example purposes, we’re going to say you’re interviewing a hematologist.) Great! They want to be interviewed in person and suggest for you to meet them at noon at their office. Even better, you think. First off, dress nice. Look the part! You don’t have to go overboard—business casual is usually appropriate. If you’ve decided to record the interview, make sure you have practiced using it before. As the interview progresses, check it occasionally to make sure it’s actually recording. This would be a total nightmare if it wasn’t working. You’ve wasted their time, and have come across as unprofessional. So test your equipment. But let’s say by some fluke that you don’t have a recorder, then use your trusty pen and paper. After firing a question, make sure to repeat their answer to them to make sure you get it right. Don’t write in complete sentences—it’ll take forever to get everything down, and they may be on a tight schedule. Simply use an outline form, something like–Cancer=loss of iron. Patient is listless, anemic—should suffice. Just make sure your handwriting is coherent and clear enough that you understand what you’ve written. I personally like to to use a recorder and take notes. It never hurts to cover both bases.

By the Phone

Most of the time, your expert may live in a different state, or country, for that matter. Then it would be best to use the phone. No need to look your best here, they can’t see you. But you do want to sound your best, so make sure your voice is clear. Drink plenty of water to prevent your throat from being dry. Also make sure your house is quiet as possible. Minimize all background noise—no TV, dishwasher, radio—everything needs to be turned off or muted. If you have kids hire a babysitter for a few hours, or schedule the interview during their nap. Some people know how to set up devices to record conversations on the phone but I’ve never been that savvy. If you’re like me, use your trusty pen and paper and jot down everything you can, repeating back their answers to make sure you get it right.

Acknowledgements

After the interview is over, thank them! Ask them if it’s okay to call back if you have any more questions. Let them know that you will thank them in the acknowledgements page of your book if that’s okay with them. If you feel comfortable with the idea, offer to let them read a few scenes with the research to see if you’ve got it right.

Once you get home, organize your notes and re-write everything in complete sentences. Listen to the recording, and if needed write it down. You will probably have more than enough information for your book, but it’s always better to have more information then not enough. (Sometimes getting tons of research will give you future book ideas, so don’t throw anything away!) I hope this has helped give you guys a few tools to handle your next interview like a pro.

In my book, one of my major characters gets injured. I researched this injury (casually) on the internet. I also read a few books (more like browsed) on the topic. I felt confident that the information I found was enough to get me through the book. I was wrong. Dead wrong. After completing my first draft, a friend of the family suffered the exact same injury as my character. When I visited her in the hospital I was amazed at how she moved, and how much longer the healing process really was. I knew I was way over my head. It was time to call in an expert.

When doing my research online I kept seeing the same name over and over as a specialist in this field. But how would I contact her? And then it hit me. Facebook.

Just about everyone I know is on Facebook. (When your 72-year old friend convinces you to get on board with Facebook, then you know everyone is on it.) So I took a chance and searched for her on Facebook. And boom, there she appeared. I sent her a direct message, explaining to her that I’m an author and doing research for my next book and asked if she wouldn’t mind answering a few questions about her specialty. Within a few hours she contacted me back and let me know that would be fine. We exchanged numbers and she called me the next day.

I have to admit, talking to her has truly saved my book. I’m one of those readers that hate coming across inaccuracies in the book I’m reading. So I want to work hard to get it right. And she helped me do that, but I had to be humble enough to realize that I needed the help in the first place.

Stay tuned because tomorrow I’ll discuss how to interview an expert.

Love, Honor, and Betray is the eighth book in the Curtis Black series. When you wrote Casting the First Stone, did you expect it be a series? Which do you like writing better, the series or the stand alone titles?

No, to be completely honest, I never once thought Casting the First Stone would end up being the first book in a series. I’d never considered writing sequels to any of my stories, however, because readers emailed me all the time after the release of Casting the First Stone, asking me if I would continue the storyline, I finally decided to do so with Too Much of a Good Thing. This, of course, wasn’t released until four years after Casting the First Stone, and I’d also written two other standalone titles in between time. Then, in terms of which I like writing better, I love writing books in the series because I’m very close to the Black family characters and know them very well, but I also enjoy writing standalone titles because I have an opportunity to get to know brand new characters who are capable of thinking and doing just about anything.

When writing a series, you have to give background for your new readers, while not boring your old readers. How do you balance the two?

I have to be careful of adding too much of the back story for long-time readers of the series, but I also have to set-up the overall storyline in a way that new readers won’t feel totally lost if they begin reading the most recent titles in the series. Thankfully, I’ve not had any complaints, and I hope I’m able to continue keeping that kind of balance as time goes on.

Do you feel it’s important to have a book out every year to keep your readers interested?

Yes, I definitely feel as though I need to release at least one book per year, especially when it comes to my Curtis Black series. I also now enjoy writing a second book of the year, which is always a standalone title.

What’s your writing process like? Are you an outliner or a pantser?

Yes, I do outline each of my stories before I begin writing the actual chapters. What I do is walk around with my characters mentally, then I write a two-page synopsis, then I write an outline of at least the first half or more of the book and then I write the first draft. Also, when writing the first draft, I try to carve out a full month where I write 10-12 hours every single day. I don’t really talk to anyone except my husband, either by phone or email during that period of time unless it’s business-related or an emergency of some sort. Then, once my first draft is complete, I begin the editing/revision process.

As a writer, what’s the hardest thing for you to tackle? Plot? Dialogue? What’s the easiest?

My goal and prayer is that with each novel I write, I’ll be able to write something that readers won’t want to put down. I try my best to create a plot that will include twists and turns from beginning to end without writing something unbelievable or completely over the top. So, I guess I don’t see writing plot or dialogue as being hard or easy, but I do have to focus much more on plot than I do dialogue because with dialogue, I know my characters very well and can hear them speaking as I’m writing.

How long does it take for you finish your first draft of your novels? How many drafts do you go through? How do you know that you are finished?

It takes me about six weeks, but that’s only when I’m working on it every single day for 10-12 hours—and sometimes up to 14 hours a day. Then, I work on revisions and edits and submit my manuscript to my editor. She’ll then send it back to me with suggestions or questions, and I’ll work on it again and resubmit it. At that point, it goes to the copyeditor and then into the publishing production stream. As far as when I know I’m finished with a book, I just sort of feel it when it happens, but I don’t necessarily know for sure until I’ve written the last word.

What writing advice would you have given to yourself ten years ago?

Ten years ago, I would have learned the craft of writing a bit more. I’ve always loved, loved, loved the storytelling aspect, which has always felt natural to me, but there are always writing techniques that writers need to know about and become better at.

With the rise of e-books, what’s your take on the publishing industry now? Do you think that e-books give authors more control of their career?

I think e-books will become more and more popular as time goes on, and I know lots of readers who truly enjoy them, but right now, I’m still a printed-hardcopy girl who loves turning actual pages when I’m curled up reading a good novel. Then, as far as e-books and whether they will give authors more control, I don’t really have an answer, but I do think you’ll see new writers choosing this route if they are unable to find a traditional publisher to take them on. It’s sort of the same as when I couldn’t find a publisher when I’d finished my first novel, and I ended up having to self-publish. Self-publishing was the best thing I could have done, and it ultimately helped me find an agent and a publisher who did eventually acquire my work.

What marketing techniques did you find worked for you? Did you hire an outside publicist or did you stay with your in-house publicist? How much would you say you had to tackle on your own?

Because I originally self-published, I had to do lots of marketing on my own, and I’ve also continued to do as much as I can, alongside my publishers, ever since then. I think it’s crucial for authors to have a very informative and user-friendly web site where readers can sign up for your mailing list, a Facebook reader/fan page where you can communicate with readers regularly, you should send out periodic newsletters to your mailing list, you should send out e-cards through various literary/marketing companies that have large mailing lists for readers who might be interested in your work, you should do as many book signing events as you can locally, regionally and nationally, you should accept speaking engagements, even if you don’t receive payment for it (eventually you’ll be offered paid speaking events), you should try to secure media interviews (radio, TV, newspaper, magazine), and yes, I think it’s good to hire a freelance publicist so that you have the benefit of working with both your in-house publicist and a freelance publicist, who both normally have different sets of media contacts.

You seem to love book clubs. How important would you say book clubs are to a writer?

I absolutely love book clubs! Some of the best discussions I’ve ever had with readers have been when I’ve visited book clubs in person or when I’ve done phone conferences with them. Book clubs are extremely important to writers as a whole, and I’m extremely grateful for their existence. They read a book a month, and I’m always very excited when one of my books becomes any book club’s selection.

Do you like social media, (i.e. Twitter, Facebook?) Which have you found works best for you and your lifestyle?

Yes, I love social media, especially Facebook! I love it because it allows me to communicate with my readers daily. On my reader/fan page and my friends’ page, even, readers post some of the kindest comments, and that really keeps me motivated as a writer. I’m also able to keep them informed about my upcoming books, book signing events and post other information, which helps keep me well-connected with readers nationwide and abroad.

What’s the biggest myth about being a bestselling author?

That writing is the easiest job in the world, which, of course, isn’t true!

We can’t skip the hair at Curl Up and Write! On your website you have your hair pulled back. Is that your go-to hairstyle? Have you ever worn bangs?

Yes, that’s definitely my go-to style and how I wear my hair like that the majority of the time. I wore bangs as a child because my mom liked seeing me with bangs (I liked them to), but rarely have I done so as an adult. I do like some of the latest “bang” styles I’ve seen, though, and might have to try wearing them very soon.

Which celebrity’s hair do you admire?

I love Michelle Obama’s hairstyles a lot.

Have you ever worn a weave? What did you like/dislike about the experience?

Yes, in the past, I’ve worn weaves here and there for limited time periods. What I loved about them was the volume of hair they provided. What I disliked, however, was that you have to be a lot more careful with your hair when styling it. I don’t like any hairstyle that requires a lot of upkeep. But again, I do love the volume aspect of weaves, particularly, strand by strand weaving.

A big THANK YOU to Kimberla for taking time out of her busy schedule to answer a few questions! Her 10-12 hour workdays really inspired me to take my writing more seriously and to make time (however little that may be) to write. Guys, make sure to stop by her website, to follow her on Twitter @KimberlaLRoby, find her on Facebook, and go buy her new book Love, Honor, and Betray now!

After finishing this book I wondered, if faced in the same situation what choice would I have made? This question and more led me to contact the author Dolen and pry her mind about the success of her debut novel. Now, after reading her biography I have to admit I was a little, (okay more than a little) intimidated contacting her. Her short stories have been published in numerous magazines, including The Kenyon Review. And she graduated Harvard. *Gulp* I was positive that she wouldn’t reply to my email. But again, I was surprised that, not only did she respond, she actually liked my little ‘ole blog. She answered a few questions about Wench and I found out we share a common love of beauty salons. (I use to sit in the salon when my mother went for hours just so my clothes could smell like hairspray and oil sheen. Aaah, the good ‘ole days…)

After reading your book, the character’s really stuck with me. How important is it for you to get your character’s voice?

For this book, I think the voice is in the voice of the narrative, rather than the voice of a single character. It is written in close third person, so I guess one could say that Lizzie’s voice drives the narrative. I learned a long time ago that my own voice as an author could not be forced. It just comes from writing lots and lots of words over the years. I just try to tell the story as I “hear” it. There are other writers, however, who I think have much more unique and masterful voices as storytellers: Junot Diaz or Toni Cade Bambera, for example.

Were you surprised at how well Wench was received by the public?

As a first-time author, I was surprised that anyone would want to read my book at all! It is so difficult to get the word out about a book, and there are so many good books out there to read. I am grateful to each and every person who bought the book and took time out of their schedule to read it. So yes, I was surprised and humbled.

How did you first come across the story behind the Tawawa resort?

I was reading a biography of W.E.B. Dubois by David Levering Lewis, and I came across a line about the origins of Wilberforce University. Lewis wrote that it was once a resort hotel popular among slave-owners and their slaves. I was shocked and intrigued.

I would imagine that with all the historical details in Wench that you would have to outline extensively. How long did you outline and how long did it take you to write the first draft of your novel?

My version of an outline is not that extensive. It is really more like a “treatment”. I write about four pages that summarize the book and its characters. Then, however, as I go along I veer off from that synopsis as some things work and others do not. It is a trial-and-error process. I can’t remember how long it took write the first draft, but I can say that I believe it took too long. With my second book, I plan to write the first draft more quickly.

We know that writing is re-writing. How many drafts of Wench did you go through? What advice would you give  to other writers regarding knowing when their novel is finished and at its best?

I went through a lot of drafts. Too many to count. I never numbered them, but I can say that I am painstakingly slow editor of my own work. It is a real challenge for me to say that a manuscript is done. I really am in no position to give advice on this one.

You write short stories as well. Do you feel that by tackling that medium  it helped you write your novel?

Yes, short stories are a great way to learn the tight, intricate line and the fully realized story arc. I admire so many brilliant short story writers because I know how difficult it is to master that genre. I recently read How to Escape From a Leper Colony by Tiphanie Yanique, and I loved it!

What marketing techniques did you find worked for you? Did you hire an outside publicist or did you stay with your in-house publicist? How much would you say you had to tackle on your own?

Yes, I hired an outside publicist, and yes I used my in-house publicist. Both were brilliant. I also worked very hard by making use of Facebook and Twitter to get the word out about my events.

That ties in to my next question—Do you like using Twitter and Facebook? How much of an impact has it had on your readership?

I love Twitter and Facebook. It is a great way to speak with readers and other writers as well. These platforms give readers unprecedented access to their favorite authors, and I think that is a good thing. I wish I’d been able to send a note to my favorite author when I was younger. I wish Toni Morrison would join the revolution, but I doubt it.

Now let’s get to the hair! Do you wear your hair natural or relaxed?

Sometimes I wear it kinky and sometimes I straighten it. I am all about convenience! Did you know that I grew up in a beauty shop? My mother owned a salon, so I am definitely a girly-girl. Manicures, pedicures, facials—all that. I am also a product junkie!

So we both love hair salons! I feel like I’ve grown up in one as much time as I used to spend in them. So you must visit the salon regularly? When you don’t go, how do you maintain it at home?

I love going to the salon. But when I’m at home, I do a lot of deep conditioning to keep my hair from getting dry.

What has been one of your WORST hair experiences?

Once, I dyed my hair blood-red because I wanted it to look like Janet Jackson’s. My stylist took the color all the up to blond and then put the red color on top of it. My hair kept coming out in the shower and wouldn’t stop! I had to cut the color out. It was so sad because my hair was so healthy before that. I was twenty-three years old.

Thanks so much Dolen for stopping by the blog! If you haven’t already, visit your local bookstore and buy a copy or order it online. Dolen loves to hear from her readers! Check out her website, and follow her on Twitter @Dolen.