If I say ‘interview,’ what do you think of? Suits? Ties? A large desk behind which you sit, nervously handling your CV? I used to think that. I may again in future, but these days, I think of character interviews.

I’ve heard several writer buddies tell me that writing an interview with their characters helps them get into their heads. That in turn helps them write the story with lively, full bodied and real characters that they know incredibly well.

I’ve never tried anything like it before but I think it could work brilliantly. I’m desperate to try. In fact, I think it would be a great marketing tool; a fun and useful way of creating teaser content to populate a blog or website. Maybe they could form the extra ‘Easter egg’ style content in the back of books, digital or physical. I think interviews would work especially well in the back of books, as they can give a whole new dimension to the story you’ve just read, allowing you to get deeper into the character. If done well, they can allow you to prep yourself mentally for the next in a series.

Hehee. Do you see where I’m going with this?

Character interviews would work brilliantly for SORB. I couldn’t post them before release of the book since it would give too much away (all of my characters have secrets and layers that influence the whole trilogy) but as ‘bonus content’ in the back of the book? I think it would be great! Interviews, biographies and diary entries could even make fabulous content for members of my mailing list; a treat and a thank you for staying with me.

It’s certainly something I’m going to consider when creating the content for the book. If you take DVDs as an example, many people (myself included) look for special editions of things to ensure there is a selection of bonus content. Background and behind the scenes information can be so interesting. I know many people don’t feel quite the same, but watching the green screen footage of Andy Serkis leaping around in his body suit, in preparation for playing Gollum, was magical for me. It only added to the wonder of seeing that emaciated figure on screen with Frodo and Sam.

Have you guys ever written character interviews for your books? Would you consider using them as bonus content in future releases? I’m going to do a bit of snooping, see if I can find other examples, but I, as ever, would love to know what you think.