I started out the new year doing my very first radio station interview, and despite the fact that I knew the interviewer was a fellow writer, and that she would be very supportive, I still felt nervous about it. After years of self-editing, it’s difficult to relax in a situation where you don’t know what questions are going to be asked and you have to come up with answers on the spot, while trying to sound friendly and intelligent.
After years of writing, I think editing has spoiled me.
I’m used to getting into that groove, where the characters take over, and my fingers fly across the keyboard seemingly like magic. I don’t worry about what I’m writing; I just let the story flow…because I know I can go back and edit everything. If I have missed something, or there’s a better way to say something, or if I have an awkward sentence, or neglected to make a plot point clear, I can fix it.
Not so in real life. You can’t edit out something you’ve said. You can’t add in what you should have said.
I think this is why I was nervous during the interview. No control, after years of exercising absolute dominion over my worlds and characters (and for some reason, I hear a loud Bwa Ha Ha following these words). But moving out of your comfort zone is always an exhilarating experience, and I’m hoping to do more of it this year.
So without further ado, here’s the interview, and I think it went rather well, although I could have shortened a few answers and expanded on others… :}
Part One
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DlfTR7CIfas
Part Two
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g6xWUTHYw8M
28 comments:
Hi, Kathryne! That is so neat that you started out the new year with a radio interview. I keep telling myself I need to do that!!! Not start the new year that way, but just do one. And that's as far as it goes!!!
For a while, I pushed myself in goals to do some new promotional idea every year, but then two years ago out of the blue, I taught a writing workshop in Toronto, taught one to teens...and then things just started popping up--speakers engagement for Nationals at Disney and went to Scotland and a visit to Texas wolf reserve all last year.
I think it's wonderful to spread our wings and try something new--and who knows, we might just find a new niche in life that we love!!! With that said, I'm still thinking about a doing a radio show. LOL :)
Kathryne, thanks for sharing your interview. You did great! I'd be in the same boat as you. I'm not a great "put on the spot" kinda person, so would be really nervous with a live interview.
It's probably like anything else, though. Practice, practice, practice and you'll get better at it. I'm sure some questions are asked over and over.
I was a kid when I came across the Arab proverb, "Four things cannot come back: The sped arrow, the spoken word, the past life, and the missed opportunity." Brave of you to do a radio interview, and it will yield you a connection with readers not possible in more carefully edited formats.
Good Morning, Kathryne:
Fabulous radio interview! I totally understand your being nervous, having done a few of them myself.
The hardest one so far was the on-camera one I did last year at RT--for BYS (Between Your Sheets) because it was done all in one take. I was worried that I'd stumble over my words, and when I voiced my worry was told, "just don't mess up." No pressure. LOL!
Bravo, Kathryne! And you sound so intelligent. I did a television appearance once and sounded just like a Texas redneck! Alas, some leopards do not change their spots. At least the radio doesn't add fifty two and a half pounds like the television. (Holding up my right hand) I swear it added that many pounds!
Kathryne, I feel the same way about editing in real life. I think that's why I'm such a bad cook. I need to be able to revise something I've made, but when it's dinner time, no one wants to wait for me to do it over!
The tree outside my office was hit by lightning recently, and it blew out my speakers on my computer, so I haven't listened to the interview. I'll get out my laptop and listen later. I'm sure you were fabulous!
Hi Terry! I'm sure you would be absolutey wonderful in a radio interview. You have such an extensive knowledge of wolf lore, that I'm sure people would be fascinated! I can easily see why you are in demand as a speaker, and wish you the best with spreading your wings. :}
Thank you so much, Tracey! If you ever need a paddle, lemme know. :} I'll always be happy to share the boat with you, and lend a hand.
I did a radio interview once. It was an absolute hoot. Wish I had a tape of it. The man asked me to tell him a little about the book, but to "remember this is a FAMILY show." LOL!
I think you did just fine despite not being able to edit it!
Hi Grace! A great proverb to live by. And yes, I only hope my enthusiasm and affection for my readers came through...
Good Morning, C.H.! Eeek! I would have really caved under such pressure. Glad you held it together. :}
Hi Carolyn! Shew! Glad you think so.
Yikes, it's bad enough that photos add pounds, and totally not fair that television is worse.
Hi Shana! That's what made me nervous--I couldn't do any do-overs. :}
Hi Cheryl! LOL! Your books ARE smokin' hot!
And thanks a million!
Kathryne, you did great! Interviews are always scary because you never know what they're going to say - nice that it was another writer.
But Carolyn, I'm puzzled. Is there something wrong with being a Texas redneck? 'Cause I've always aspired to that:)
Hi Joanne! Thanks so much! And good question for Carolyn...I love a drawl myself. :}
Loved the interview, Kathryne. I don't like public speaking, although I love talking to people. I may be doing a radio interview at the end of the month, and I listened to yours to get some ideas. You are my cheat sheet :)
Joanne and Kathryne: That is so sweet of y'all! Nothing wrong with being a redneck.It's who I am! But it would be nice to have a sweet, smooth voice. When my granddaughter, Graycyn, first started talking in this slightly nasal twang I told my daughter that she'd gotten that voice from the "other side" of the family. And then I heard myself on the answering machine! It's an inherited trait but I understand it can be learned. Take Redneck 101 at your local votech facility! And practice sayin' Y'ALL (draw it on out there to at least three syllables) in front of the mirror. Remember that helluva is one syllable not three, and hotdamn is one word. Y'all will do just fine.
Hi Anita! Gracious, I don't know if I'm a good cheat sheet--this is my first live interview. But I wish you the very best with yours!
LOL, Carolyn! :}
Great interview, Kathryne! It's always good to try new things. I think you did amazingly well. I've done a few interviews and they're nerve-racking but fun.
Hi Robin! Thx so much. And yes, great description of how it felt. :}
Hey Kathryne! Great interview. Love it! I bet your readers are really enjoying it. I did an interview with Jim Harold on Paranormal Podcast and got great feedback from readers who listened in. Very cool stuff. You should do more for sure.
I'm with you - I'd much rather write than talk so I can edit myself. Unlike you, I am forever saying silly things that really do need editing!
This is why I hate talking on the telephone. No editing feature. I'd have been nervous, too, but great job!
Thank you, Sara. So very sweet of you!
Oh, Amanda, I do it all the time! It's why I was so worried. :}
Hi Olivia! Yeppers, the interview was done over the phone. ;}
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