Guest Post: Playing Host: Five Benefits of Blog Interviews by Karen Lange

Today, I'm welcoming my writing buddy and good friend, Karen Lange. She's put together a list of blogging interview benefits. Enjoy!

Interviews are a great way to add interest and draw readers to your blog. They provide exposure, not just for the guest, but for the host, too. Reflecting on the interviews I’ve conducted, I realized that I’ve learned a lot from the experience. These items top the list:

1)      Authors/writers are real people.

I have long held them in high regard, and rightly so. They are a talented bunch. But guess what? They are more down to earth than I expected. Fame, fortune, and writing talent haven’t spoiled them. They are just like us – experiencing ups, downs, and everything in between. Knowing this immediately sets me at ease, and makes me realize that with creativity and hard work, I can attain what they have, such as a published novel.

2)      Everyone’s work habits are different.

There’s a common notion that writers must put pen to paper daily. Not so. Some writers crank out oodles of words each day, but for others, nary a word hits the page until the weekend. There are early morning writers, night owls, and ones who snack on chocolate while hitting the keys mid afternoon. You know what? They all get it done; writing in a way that best suits them. And we can too.

3)      It broadens horizons.

Assembling content for an interview stretches me. It is important to create engaging questions that will draw interesting answers and useful info for my blog readers. Brainstorming and examining the writing industry from various angles helps me assemble info, appreciate different viewpoints, and hence, ask better questions.

4)      Great writing tips.

Talk about a walking resource library! These gifted wordsmiths could publish volumes. I’ve gleaned valuable insight on research, critique partners, character development, publishing, novel writing, and so much more.

5)      Encouragement.

The heartfelt thoughts of an experienced writer offer candid and wonderful insight. Quotes like “Persevere and keep writing even when things aren’t going well” and “Rejection is not fatal” ring in my ears for weeks after an interview. Gems like these season my perspective and writing, and encourage me to keep moving forward.

Have you ever hosted an interview on your blog? If not, I encourage you to try it. You might be surprised at how much you learn.

Karen Lange is a fan of chocolate, hockey, and Susan J. Reinhardt. She is a writer, blogger, and online writing instructor at the Coffeehouse for Writers. Visit her blog at karenelange.blogspot.com.

Wow, Karen, thanks for ranking me right up there with chocolate and hockey! I know how serious you are about our favorite snack and your sports.


Okay, everyone, it's your turn to chime in with thoughts on author interviews.