50+ Author Interview Questions

50+ Author Interview Questions 

If you’re preparing to host an author interview at school, it’s important to prepare your students to engage in meaningful dialogue by brainstorming author interview questions together. Author interviews provide an excellent opportunity for students to delve deeper into the world of literature, understand the author's thought process, and gain insights into the craft of writing.

We’ve compiled a list of the best, most thoughtful interview questions teachers can use to guide their students in preparing for these enriching interactions. Perfect for in-person interviews or written exchanges via email or letter.

Personal life questions

Use these questions to gain a deeper understanding of the author's life outside of their literature. These author interview questions are a great way to open up the conversation. 

1. As a child, what did you want to do when you grew up?
2. What is your favorite part of being a writer?
3. Do you hear from your readers much? What kinds of things do they say?
4. How many books have you written? Which is your favorite?
5. What does your family think of your writing?
6. What do you like to do when you're not writing?
7. Can you describe your writing space?
8. When did you write your first book and how old were you?
9. When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?
10. What is your typical day like when you're writing?
11. How do you relax?
12. What is your favorite book and why?
13. What book/s are you reading at present?

Writing inspiration questions

Asking an author what inspires their work will help your students understand that they can put their own life experiences into their writing. 

1. What do you think makes a good story?
2. What was one of the most surprising things you learned in creating your books?
3. What might your next book be about?
4. Do you ever get inspiration from your dreams?
5. What is your favorite genre to write and why?
6. Who is your favorite author and what is it that really strikes you about their work?
7. How do you get inspired to write?
8. Can you share an instance where real-life events inspired your writing?
9. How do you handle moments when inspiration seems hard to find?
10. Can you tell us about a book or author that has greatly inspired your own work?
11. What is the most inspiring feedback you've ever received from a reader?
12. How has your concept of inspiration evolved throughout your writing career?

Writing method questions

Asking method questions can provide students with key insights into the author's writing process and strategies. 

1. Do you like to create books for adults?
2. Have you experienced writer's block, and how do you handle it?
3. Do you base your characters on real people?
4. What types of questions do you ask yourself when planning a new book?
5. How do you create your main characters?
6. Where do you get your information or ideas for your books?
7. How long does it take you to write a book?
8. How do you handle criticism?
9. How much research do you do for your books?
10. How do you deal with the pressure of meeting deadlines?
11. How do you choose the names for your characters?
12. Do you ever consider the reader's perspective when you're writing?
13. How do you develop your plot and characters?
14. Do you aim for a set amount of words/pages per day?
15. Do you read much and if so who are your favorite authors?
16. How do you deal with bad reviews?
17. Is there anything you find particularly challenging in your writing?
18. What is your work schedule like when you're writing?
19. Do you have a specific writing style?
20. Can you share a little of your current work with us?

School and learning questions

By asking the author questions about their own school experience, you can inspire your own students. 

1. Do you have any suggestions to help me become a better writer? If so, what are they?
2. How important are book reviews?
3. What would you say is the most difficult part of writing a book?
4. What are your favorite books to read?
5. How do books get published?
6. What would you say is your interesting writing quirk?
7. What is your real-life work schedule like when writing?
8. What advice would you give to aspiring writers?
9. Do you believe in writer's block?
10. What is the hardest thing about writing?
11. For your own reading, do you prefer ebooks or traditional paper/hard back books?
12. What are your thoughts on good/bad reviews?
13. What is your favorite motivational phrase?
14. Do you ever get writer's block?
15. What is your favorite motivational phrase?
16. Do you remember the first book you read?
17. What would you say is your unique writing style?
18. Is there a message in your novel that you want readers to grasp?
19. Do you recall how your interest in writing originated?

Final questions

These final questions are a great way to finish an author interview. 

1. Is there anything else you would like to add that I haven’t included?
2. How can readers discover more about you and your work?
3. Can you share any upcoming projects or plans for future books?
4. How do you hope your work will impact your readers?
5. What is the best advice you have received as a writer?