Hey, guys! I know we're already operating on holiday hours around here—a.k.a. only posting for IWSG—but I thought I'd jump on the chance for us to learn from SIGGY himself. The one, the only, Mark Koopmans...

Aloha,

It’s the last week (wow, that went fast) of the REVIVAL – The Donald Braswell Story Tour. Thanks, Carrie, for hosting me, and in case you don’t know, Carrie is the Graphics Goddess who designed REVIVAL’s cover.

(And, now for a well-deserved plug: When *you* desire design services, check out her one-stop shop website here)

Meanwhile, back at the ranch, Carrie asked for five tips when interviewing guests.

1. Bring spare batteries/have a charger for your recorder. (I’m old school and use a digital recorder, but tape or app, have extra juice/charger handy for the in-person or phone interview.)

If you don’t… fine, but after you lose the best quote ever uttered by Homo sapiens, you’ll never forget again. #BeenThereDoneThat

1. Tell the interviewee they will be recorded. This makes most folks defensive, so make the person comfortable… How’s their family? How about those Mets winning 9-3 against the Royals? Did they watch the 1,479th Presidential debate last night?
2. Listen. Ask open-ended questions and watch non-verbal body language for the “tells.” A simple question can induce a memory burst, which can lead to more tales and the hallowed land where “ye olde money quote be buried.”

A money quote is like a written sound bite, (or the journalistic version of the better-known photographic “money shot.”) It’s also the nirvana of oh-so-beautiful quote that completes the interview—especially when you’re able to flow it back to a first paragraph quote/sentence.

1. But, what happens when the money quote is the first thing the interviewee mentions?

Easy. Travel back in Interview time. Ask your leading questions. Find out why the money quote is the money quote.

1. Once the interview is over, (which is only when the recorder is off), stop asking related questions (you don’t want to miss an unrecorded moment!)

Thank the interviewee, walk to your car, put the spare batteries and/or charger in the glove compartment, and let the writing begin.

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Thanks Carrie for having me by, and that was fun remembering some of my favorite features. Tomorrow, we’re heading to Mexico, where Al Diaz wants to know about the emotions involved in writing a memoir.

Thanks back at you, Mark! And for all of you lovely folks at home, be sure to scroll down to learn more about REVIVAL, Mark's debut book, and enter to win some fantastic prizes!

Five years removed from his 1990 Juilliard graduation, Donald Braswell is set to be “the next Pavarotti.” Braswell’s successful career ends, however, not with a standing ovation at Carnegie Hall, but alone, lying in a dirty ditch.

Following the hit-and-run accident that steals his voice and future, the “Texas Tenor” struggles with depression and despair—until the night his daughter, Aria, is born. Understanding this new and immediate life change, Braswell fights to relearn how to speak, sing—and share this gift of second chances with others.

Working as a plasterer, a car salesman, and many jobs in-between, it takes thirteen years—and a musical miracle—for Braswell to battle back and sing on a professional stage. His dreams and ambitions collide with a tired and angry crowd when he auditions for America’s Got Talent. For his family, his faith and his entire future, can the Rocky Balboa of the operatic world find the courage and strength to win just one more fight?

Most of you know I’ve made some... interesting sacrifices for the sake of my career. In fact, if you recall a few years ago, I actually got rid of my bed so I could have a functioning office with all of the space my little organization-lovin’ mind needed.

(Yes, that means I sleep on a couch. The life of an author is very glamorous.)

Now, what you may not know is that I finally saved up to redecorate said office. That’s right—no more duct-taped, worn out furniture (in that room)! Check it out:

So, why am I posting this for IWSG? Because my space used to be an insecurity of mine. It’s hard to feel like a professional when you’re working from a glorified storage room. I know plenty of you know what I’m talking about here.

The point is, our situations change.

Am I a bestselling, “bazillionaire” author living in a life-sized replica of Serenity? No, no I am not. But I did save up enough royalties to improve something that bothered me. That’s progress. :)

Where do you do your best work?