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The other night I was watching a movie—a reporter, a scandal…the standard stuff. Except whoever wrote this movie never went on an interview with me. So I thought I’d tell you what they got wrong about interviewing and what it’s like in real life. Or at least in my life!

1. Jumping into the tough stuff – Our movie reporter jumped right into the city government scandal with the first question. If you’re doing an interview, make a friend first. Ask a few easy questions you already know the answers to(yes, questions you where you know the answers!). The person gets comfy chatting with you and you get to observe them since you won’t be scribbling down answers.

2. Meet me at the corner diner – Yes, it’s the standard interview spot if you believe movies. Restaurants are terrible interview spots. First, they’re noisy. Second, some people feel awkward talking when others can overhear. Third, too many distractions…food, waitresses, crying babies…can interrupt a person’s train of thought.

3. Let me get out my notebook – Every reporter whips out his spiral notebook in the movies. Do you know shorthand? Me neither. And people are touchy about you quoting them exactly. You need a recorder also. Actually I use both since you never know when your technology will cut out. You can also use your notebook to record their reactions…he played nervously with his cellphone when he said this, she almost jumped out of her seat when she said that…so you can make the people come alive in the article. Also, you notebook should have every technical word and names spelled correctly. Even something straightforward like John Smith. You just never know.

4. Ah-ha! – How many times have movie reporters surprised a reluctant source in their gym, apartment hallway, office? Maybe you’re the next Woodward or Bernstein on the trail of shifty politicians but most of us aren’t writing about such controversial topics. In my experience most people would love to talk to you. Stalking is not required! People always want publicity for something…their company, their book, their discoveries. And you’re the perfect person to help them get their info to the public. You’ll be surprised. Even the most well

The interview ranks as one of the top responsibilities of freelance writers. Whether you interview a local athlete who set a new record or a best-selling author, preparing for the interview and asking the right questions will lead to a successful story.

I seldom cold call and conduct the interview. I learned early in my writing career that interview subjects seldom like to be blindsided. Set up a time for an in-person, telephone or e-mail interview and make sure you're on time. Just before I get to the heart of the interview, I like to double check that it's a good time to talk. As writers, we realize that interruptions can derail plans. Showing courtesy to your interview subject not only exhibits professionalism, but it lets the interviewee know you have their schedule in mind, too.

Now, let's jump into the interview. If you've done your research, you've hopefully come up with a list of questions. But don't overlook the obvious. Often, these q-and-a's will provide a candid view into the subject.

1. Spell It Correctly. Even the simplest names can have spelling variations. Accuracy counts, so ask for a correct spelling of the person's name.
2. Why Did You . . . ? Why questions require synthesis - seeing relationships and drawing conclusions from an experience. Some of the best responses come from this type of question.
3. How Did You . . . ? The "how" question helps define a process and allows for clarification.
4. Did You Experience Conflict? Some interview subjects shy away from conflict, but a good interviewer will bring it up and ask for a reaction. This question helps balance the final product.
5. Are There Benefits? Look for the silver lining. How did the subject grow from the experience? How can this person's story help others?
6. Would You Change Anything? This question lets the subject reflect on her story or experience. From my experience, even if they say "no," I keep digging. Nothing is ever perfect. :)
7. What's the Secret To Your Success? It's proven: people like hearing their name and they like talking about their experiences. Many times, this question leads new information about the subject and puts a new perspective on the story.

Once I've gone through my list, I like to ask if the interviewee can think of additional information I may need for the piece. Sometimes they'll direct me to other sources, which may mean a new story idea.

When I'm interviewing, I like to take notes about the subject's demeanor: the look in her eye, tone of voice, fidgety behavior. Those personal details add a personable touch to a story.

Finally, I ask if it will be OK to call again or send an e-mail if I have follow-up questions. Occasionally, an interviewee has scheduled a time with me for the day following the interview. Again, writers need to remember that this person has a schedule too, and it's courteous and professional to ask.

Once the interview has concluded, I like to send a thank you note or postcard to the interviewee. I usually receive a thank-you-for-the-handwritten-note note in return. It's a networking bonus!

Perfecting your interview style will enhance your writing and set your apart from others. It should be the sharpest tool in a freelancer's toolbox.

by LuAnn Schindler. Learn more about LuAnn and her writing endeavors at http://luannschindler.com or follow her on Facebook or Twitter - @luannschindler.