About:
Author interviews almost always focus on questions regarding an author’s latest publication (and that’s great because it’s how readers discover new books!) but sometimes it’s fun to ask authors to talk about their lives beyond the book they’ve just written. This Substack, Authors Answer, started as a blog in the early days of the pandemic. The original website no longer exists, but I’ve archived previous interviews on my website. As of 2025, all new interviews are here on Substack.
This Q & A project is an attempt to give authors space to move beyond the formulaic classics like, “What books are on your nightstand?” or “What book inspired you to be a writer?” and even “You’re having a dinner party….which three authors (dead or alive) do you invite?”
Instead, there are twenty standing questions. Authors pick FIVE that they want to answer.
The questions:
Are there particular films that have influenced your writing?
Is there a genre of music that influences your writing/thinking? Do you listen to music while you write?
What period of history do you wish you knew more about?
What’s your favorite comic strip or graphic novel?
What’s the oddest thing a reader has ever asked you?
Favorite non-reading activity?
Is your go to comfort food sweet or savory? Is it something you make yourself? Does food inspire your writing?
Have you ever experienced Imposter Syndrome?
Not all books are for all readers… when you start a book and you just don’t like it, how long do you read until you bail?
Is there a work of art that you love. Why? Have you ever visited it in person?
Vacation druthers… City or Rural destination? Why?
Is there another profession you would like to try?
Do you collect anything? If so, what, why, and for how long?
What’s the difference (at least for you!) between being a writer and an author? How do you shift gears between the two?
Do you have another artistic outlet in addition to your writing? Do you sew? Paint? Draw? Knit? Dance?
If you could create a museum exhibition, what would be the theme?
What do you worry about?
What brings you great joy?
What piece of clothing tells the most interesting story about your life?
Do you speak a second language? Do you think differently in that language? Does it influence your writing?
How Do I Participate?
So glad that you asked!
If you’re the author of a published book, and you’d like to participate in Authors Answer, please review this list of 20 questions and pick FIVE you want to answer. Helpful tip - readers prefer more than single word answers!
Email me the following : (1) The answers to five questions [you pick which five] (2) A brief author bio (2) Author photo (3) Your website address (4) Your social media account user names (5) If your book is forthcoming, the publication date. (6) If you’d like, ou can send me a JPG of the cover of your book.
PLEASE NOTE: Authors Answer is a “one and done,” interview blog, so if you’ve already participated, please do not submit answers again.
Email your answers in the body of the email [the only attachment should be your author photo!], to: AuthorsAnswer@Gmail.com
Authors Answer is run by Elizabeth Rynecki, a writer, film director, podcaster, and a promoter of other authors! If you want to learn more about Elizabeth’s work, please visit her website at: www.ElizabethRynecki.com