What Makes E.B. Davis a Great Interviewer?

E.B. Davis

"A writer and beach bum of note, E. B. Davis writes short stories and novels in the mystery and paranormal mystery genres. Ms. Davis graduated from George Washington University with a Masters Degree from the Elliot School of International Service, and continued degrading her writing skills working as a government contractor. 

"When she is not writing or blogging, she can be found at the beach, the setting for many of her stories. She is a member of Sisters In Crime ,its Guppy (The Great Unpublished) Chapter (where she serves on the Steering Committee), and its Chesapeake Chapter and The Short Mystery Fiction Society." -- E.B. Davis' self-description

 At Writers Who Kill, we have long recognized the rare jewel we have in E.B. Davis as a fellow blogger. E.B. has written fascinating blog messages that give us glimpses into her life as a voracious reader, committed and disciplined writer, and dedicated beach bum. Along with her significant ability as a storyteller, she has a real gift for interviewing authors and presenting their work to existing and potential readers.

I read E.B.’s interviews for two reasons: (1) to learn about authors, and (2) to watch a master interviewer at work. E.B. makes the process seem effortless, like she’s having an intimate conversation with a friend and inviting the online community to listen. She poses questions to entice an author to divulge tantalizing tidbits about writing, craft, and life.

Developing some of E.B.’s interviewing skills can be a real advantage to authors. Not only for appearances on panels, but also to glean information for a work-in-progress. Often I’ve seen E.B. provide insight on the Guppy list serv or in a short story critique group based on some background materials she has studied for her own writing. Taking a few tips from her research methods can be a true benefit.

So here goes. What are the top five reasons that E.B. Davis is an excellent interviewer?

1. She is truly enthusiastic about her subject matter.

Whether E.B. is interviewing someone for the first time or a friend she has interviewed previously, she is excited about the author and the author’s work. She is always on the lookout for new work and new writers, but she’s just as delighted to present an established writer’s new series. She keeps her eye on the market. That’s beneficial to her, both as a reader and a writer. She knows what type of work is being published by which publisher. If you follow her interviews, you’ll know more about the mystery publishing world, too.

2. She takes the time to learn about the author and the author’s work.

Usually at the beginning of an interview, E.B. gives a brief synopsis of the author’s latest book or an overview of what the author has written. She sets readers up so they are ready to hear from this person.  She lets us know what types of mystery books the author writes and provides a teaser to lure us into the interview.

3. She asks specific questions about the author’s characters and their motivations.

I’m always amazed at the preparation that must go into E.B.’s interviews, but I’m particularly impressed by how she carefully studies an author’s characters and asks incisive questions about why the characters do what they do. She considers recurrent themes and choices that characters have to make. I like it best when an author responds to one of her questions by saying that she brought out a new perspective on the work. E.B.’s adventurous and likes to discover elements that make good writing stand out or hold stories together. That’s another reason that she’s a great storyteller.

4. She wants to know about the details.

Does the author use unfamiliar terminology? E.B. asks the author to define it. That way, you learn not only about a new concept, but how the author views it.

What quotation does the author use at the beginning of the book? How does that quotation fit in with the story? How did the author find that quote and why did it resonate with the author? E.B. has inquired into all these issues.

I think asking about details is part of E.B.’s charm, but it’s also a great strategy. Who wouldn’t be flattered that an interviewer noticed some very specific aspects of a work? Who doesn’t dig a little deeper to provide an insightful answer when presented with such a flattering question? E.B.’s analysis not only draws out a unique author response, but also brings readers into a more personal connection with the author. And, that personal connection leads to adding an author to a TBR (to-be-read) list!

5. She has a beach bum mentality.

Now, don’t disagree before you hear me out. Beach bums get a bad rap. Bum has a negative connotation. Maybe that’s from jealousy. If you think about it, those who spend their lives on the sand have discovered their one true love and focus. They calculate how to be in their favorite place for the longest periods of time possible doing exactly what they feel makes life meaningful. Then, they act on their inclinations. Isn’t that the kind of person you would want evaluating your writing?

E.B. has promised to let me interview her soon, so I thought I should consider her style and pick up some pointers to use to my advantage.

I know there are more than just five reasons that E.B. is such a talented interviewer. What have you noticed and enjoyed from reading her interviews?