Research Interviews by Elaine Marie Cooper

Unlike author Elaine Marie Cooper, I don't have a journalism background, so the idea of interviewing experts can be daunting. If you feel the same, Elaine has some tips to make your interviews effective and organized. -- Sandy

Elaine: Perhaps it’s my background as a freelance writer for newspapers and magazines that gets me excited about interviewing people. I think it’s mostly because I have an interest in people and want to know how they manage different issues in their lives.

So when I created the character of Nathaniel Stearns for my novel Promise of Deer Run, a Revolutionary War veteran who suffers from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), I was definitely in a position to don my reporter “cap” and start asking questions of those in the know. That meant counselors for the military, coordinators of support groups, and those who suffered from PTSD themselves. But because this is such a sensitive issue, I knew it would be important to ask thoughtful questions. I also needed to find the right sources that could help me.

I began by contacting a military chaplain who referred me to another counselor who treated many veterans suffering from PTSD. Through a military organization on Facebook, I sent a message to a contact person who turned out to have a support group who could anonymously answer a few specific questions. Once I had my sources, I prepared for the interviews. 

When preparing for an interview for research, gather as many facts ahead of time so the person knows you’ve done your homework. You learn pretty quickly to prepare a list of questions and get comfortable asking strangers a whole host of queries.

Always ask someone if they prefer an interview by phone, email or even Skype. Everyone has a level of comfort in a particular style of communication. Your job is to get comfortable with all of them.

You also learn to listen carefully for cues from your interviewee. Are they getting stressed from detailed questions? Is it time to change the topic? Time to end the interview? I remember one person who was recovering from PTSD who blurted out a reply and I instinctively knew it had been a difficult revelation for him. I expressed my sympathy and pressed no further. When someone shares a painful story, you never want to say, “I know exactly how you must have felt” —because you absolutely don’t. You want to be compassionate without being condescending.

And thanks to these interviews, the character of Nathaniel Stearns was born on the pages of Book 2 in the Deer Run Saga. I am so grateful for the interviewees who shared from the heart to help bring the pain of PTSD alive in Promise of Deer Run.  And I pray that this book helps to bring hope and healing to my readers who have suffered from the pain of war-related stress. 

Promise of Deer Run releases June16. 

Do you have any tips to add? What is the most unusual interview you have conducted in the name of research?

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Award winning author Elaine Marie Cooper has written Road to Deer Run, Fields of the Fatherless, Bethany’s Calendar and the June 16 release, Promise of Deer Run. Her upcoming releases include Saratoga Letters (October 2016) and Legacy of Deer Run (December 2016). Her passions are her faith, her family, and the history of the American Revolution. She blogs at www.elainemariecooper.com , www.colonialquills.blogspot.com and www.almostanauthor.com

Conquering Your Fear by Reba J. Hoffman, Ph.D.

Reba & Dakota preparing to depart.

I see it almost daily. Really talented writers pour their heart and soul into creating a magnificent story that is sure to change the lives of their readers. They edit, chop, start over and still it never seems good enough.

They pay good money to attend a writer’s conference and just at the second they get their opportunity to pitch their story to their dream agent, they turn and run the other way. Why?

Fear.

Toccoa Falls, Georgia

As I’m writing this, I’m pedaling alone on my bicycle around America to meet women who are plagued by fear. Perhaps they don’t have the fear of agents but they are held captive in their own hearts and life circumstances. Here are some things I’ve learned from them:

Fear will always win unless you do. It’s a battle, but you have the power to win it. If you forfeit the battle, it will be crowned the undisputed champion.

Fear has no power unless you give it. Fear is an intangible emotion that really cannot reign over you without you giving it permission.

Fear is necessary. It gears you up emotionally to face that situation you’re uncomfortable in, like pitching your story to a publishing editor. You really should capture its energy and use it to move you forward toward your goal.

Fear always shows up. Always. Expect it. Recognize it. Put it in its place and use it for your good. Yes, you have that power over the fear in your life.

Fear always subsides. Whether you feel the fear and do it anyway, or turn and run for cover, that yucky feeling in the pit of your stomach will go away. So, if it’s going to show up and it’s going to leave, why not use it for your gain?

Entering Georgia

You—yes, even the most mild mannered, shy, introverted wordsmith—can conquer fear. Sound impossible? It’s not. You can harness that fear and cause it to work FOR you. It can propel you forward toward your goal.

Look, you already have the writing part down. You do it very well. So why not take the time to fear as your friend, rather than your foe? Or if not, at least get comfortable being uncomfortable when fear shows up?

Most people feel the fear and hide. But you can be like a dam that harnesses the raw power of the water and converts it to energy and electricity. You can use its power to accomplish great and mighty things.

I encourage you today to look at fear in a different light, for your good. Your readers will appreciate that more than you know. They need to read what you spend so much time creating.

Trust me on this one!

What is the one thing that scares you more than anything? How has fear stopped you from reaching your dreams? Would you mind taking the first step in conquering that fear by posting it in the comments below?

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About the Author

Reba Hoffman giving a
newspaper interview during
her trip

Reba J. Hoffman is a natural encourager and Member Care Coach at My Book Therapy. She holds a Ph.D. in Clinical Counseling and is currently riding her bicycle across America to help women with PTSD. She is the author of Facing Fear and Finding Freedom, available on Amazon, and Dare to Dream, a Writer’s Journal published by My Book Therapy. She also publishes a motivational and encouraging blog, Finding True North. Contact Reba at reba@rebajhoffman.com.

On November 5, 1984, Reba was abducted in broad daylight from a parking lot by a drug-crazed criminal. He’d been out of jail for less than twenty four hours. She was beaten, raped and left for dead in a remote area of North Florida. By God’s grace She survived that attack.

The broken bones healed but Reba suffered Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Fortunately, she had a great medical/mental health team and was able to recover. Sadly, that’s not the case with so many women who survive violent assaults. Many are imprisoned in their homes. If they do venture out, they experience anxiety and panic.

Today, Reba is traveling across America on her trusty bike, Dakota, meeting with groups and speaking about PTSD. Her goal is to help liberate women all over the country. For more information, or if you'd like to help, click here.