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The 5 Best Questions About Writing to Get You Into the “Write” Mindset

by Joe Bunting | 35 comments

Do you have questions about writing? Maybe you wonder, “How do I make a living as a writer?” or, “How do I write a bestselling book?”

I hear questions like this all the time, but if I'm honest, there are  good  questions about writing and there are bad ones, and the two questions above are the second type.

Which of course raises the question, what are the best questions to ask about your own writing? If you want to go from an aspiring writer to published author and maybe even best-seller, what should you be asking?

In this article, I'm going to share a list of questions aspiring writers should ask themselves if they want to accomplish their writing goals.

The Power of Questions

I first decided that I wanted to become a writer when I was seventeen years old.

I was in my room reading A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens for high school, and for some reason the main character (and supporting cast) and the story touched me so deeply that—for a moment—I felt connected.

It was one of the first books that made me feel not alone.

You see, like many kids, I was bullied in school, and it had the effect of silencing me. I didn't trust people, and I had very few friends. But for some reason, reading that book at that time, it was as if Charles Dickens had reached through 120 years of history and spoken directly to me.

In that moment, that question people always ask when you're growing up popped into my head: “What do you want to be when you grow up?

Somewhat naively, I thought, “Maybe I should do this? Maybe I should be a writer.”

Because wouldn’t it be amazing to inspire this feeling in others?

To reach through words and pages and connect with a reader so they knew they also weren't alone, that there is one person, at least, who feels like they do?

In other words, I wanted to become a writer so I could connect to others.

And by asking myself great questions—specifically these five essential questions about writing—I started to overcome writer's block and hold onto my reason to not only write, but finish my book.

And all the ones after that.

5 Good Questions for Writers

There are five questions that have been most transformative for me in my writing, and I believe they're important for you, too. Ask yourself:

1. Why do you write?

George Orwell, in an essay about why we write , said this:

[We write out of] sheer egoism. Desire to seem clever, to be talked about, to be remembered after death, to get your own back on the grown-ups who snubbed you in childhood, etc., etc. It is humbug to pretend this is not a motive, and a strong one…. Serious writers, I should say, are on the whole more vain and self-centered than journalists, though less interested in money.

In other words, Orwell says we write to be admired.

But honestly, I think George Orwell was wrong. Fame, admiration, self-centered vanity aren't really what we're looking for.

We write to connect to others. Writers or not.

The truth is, being known, being loved, is so much better than being admired. Being loved gives us a chance for a personal experience that changes lives.

Just look at what Amanda Palmer said :

For most of human history, artists have been part of the community. Connectors and openers, not untouchable stars. Celebrity is about a lot of people loving you from a distance. But the internet—and the content we’re freely able to share on it—is about taking it back. It’s about a few people loving you up close, and about those people being enough.

Ask yourself, “Why do you write?”

Why do you really write? Is it about fame? Vanity? Celebrity? Or is it deeper than that?

Do you write to connect?

Good writing comes from writers who pour words onto the page with their heart.

And while asking published writers craft questions like, “How did you choose your point of view?” and “How much world building do you do before writing your story?” are great interview questions to ask for writing advice, they won't necessarily give you the momentum you need to write through the tough times.

Resistance will come.

All writers experience hardship at one point or another. But when you ask the right questions, the ones that empower your writer's mindset, you will find the reason to write through the difficult parts.

And then, you'll finish your book.

2. How do you change people?

I think it's great to make money at writing. I think it's important to get paid for your work.

However, the question, “How do I make a living writing?” is the wrong question (and type of question) to ask yourself.

Instead, ask yourself how you CHANGE people with your writing. How can you change people with your stories?

Because if you can inspire transformation in readers, they will pay whatever you ask for your book.

3. What can you write that no one else can?

If you can write something unique, something different from anything else in the market, something that people also like, your fans will buy everything and anything you ask.

While there are no original stories, it's always important for writers to put their own creative twist on stories that have already been done—and that have proven their impact on readers.

If you're interviewing a writer, this could be a cool question to ask: “What have you written that no other writer could write?”

What makes your writing unique? Why can nobody else write this book?

It's also an important question to ask yourself before you write your own book.

4. How do you connect your emotions to your story?

“No tears in the writer, no tears in the reader,” said Robert Frost.

How do you get so deep into your characters (or else choose characters similar to you and your story) so that you can summon the emotional depth necessary to tell an entertaining and transformative story?

What this mean is how can a reader live vicariously through the main character's journey that they, like the protagonist, change after reading the book?

While plots drive the external parts of a story, the internal arcs of characters are what communicate theme. And these messages are what readers carry with them after they're done reading, and likely try to apply to their own mindsets about life.

Don't underestimate the emotional influence you can have on readers. In fact, prioritize it.

5. How can you live a story as interesting as the ones on the page?

Look at the writers you most admire. See how they took risks with their lives?

Ernest Hemingway, Mary Shelley, John Steinbeck, Virginia Woolf—they all lived lives as interesting as the ones they wrote about. Part of their marketing (their platform you might say) was based on how they lived , not just how they wrote.

The best writing comes from experience.

And so, your biggest asset as a writer comes from your experiences.

How are you going to create experiences that help you be a better writer? How will this help you connect with multiple readers, instead of one particular type of person?

What Questions Do You Bring to Your Writing?

Here are some questions I've heard from other writers:

• Why do I struggle at the end?
• What if no one connects with my art?
• What if I try to write one story and it becomes something else?
• What do I do with my fear?
• What if I’ve outgrown my story?
• Does rewriting always make your story better?

All of these are questions about writing worthy of your time and attention. However, if you want to become a writer—one with the motivation to make a career as an author—consider the five questions in this post.

These are the questions that will change your writing mindset first.

How about you? What questions are you bring to your writing? Let me know in the comments .

Pick one person you would like your writing to connect with.

Then, write something just for him or her.

Write for fifteen minutes . When you're finished, share your practice in the Pro Workshop here . And if you share, please be sure to give feedback on a few practices by your fellow writers.

Not a member? Join us here .

Joe Bunting

Joe Bunting is an author and the leader of The Write Practice community. He is also the author of the new book Crowdsourcing Paris , a real life adventure story set in France. It was a #1 New Release on Amazon. Follow him on Instagram (@jhbunting).

Want best-seller coaching? Book Joe here.

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How do you become a writer? The short answer is: anyone who writes is a writer. However, becoming a writer who’s serious about their professional career requires lots of work, and if you’re wondering how to become a professional writer, you’re ready to start the journey towards a productive and successful literary career.

You don’t need a degree to be a writer, nor do you need to be a certain age. Becoming a writer simply requires an admiration for—and a longing to create with—language. So, don’t worry about becoming a writer later in life or lacking a formal education. (That’s what Writers.com is here for!)

No one can teach you how to admire the written word, but the instructors at Writers.com are experts at turning longing into language. That’s why this article covers everything you need on how to become a writer. From the personal to the professional, let’s dive into everything writers need to build a successful literary career .

Everyone Can Become a Writer

Even today, there’s a persistent myth that writers are elite, born-with-it Ivory Tower folks who possess some ineffable gift of the Muses. Yes, some great writers were born with greatness, but anyone who calls themselves a writer does so because they labor with the written word.

Becoming a writer simply requires an ardent exploration of language.

In others words, you don’t need an MFA from the University of Iowa to call yourself a writer. Becoming a writer simply requires an ardent exploration of language. If we had to boil a writer down to three requirements, it wouldn’t involve age or degree. The 3 traits for becoming a writer are:

• Passion for the written word,
• Desire to expand the boundaries and possibilities of language, and
• Willingness to grow and learn continuously.

Many writers who have these traits stop themselves from writing, because they’re wondering how to become a writer without a degree. Now, writers certainly benefit from a university education or a family legacy in literature, but countless writers have acquired respect and success without a degree or name recognition.

Ernest Hemingway never went to college, but he still won a Pulitzer and Nobel Prize; neither did Maya Angelou attend university, yet she’s celebrated as the “black woman’s poet laureate” and later accepted a professorship with Wake Forest University. Degrees are just paper; it’s words that matter.

It’s Never Too Late to Become a Writer

Becoming a writer has no age restriction; the act of writing is rated G for the General Public, and those 3 aforementioned traits are found in writers from ages 2 to 99+.

Many writers discover their writing talents in their later years. Why, exactly? Neurology reveals there are two types of intelligence : fluid intelligence and crystallized intelligence. “Fluid” refers to creative and adaptive thinking, including activities like writing and problem solving. “Crystallized” refers to the solidified body of knowledge people draw from—all the words, definitions, and experiences that build a foundation for the world.

Generally, younger adults have more fluid intelligence, whereas life experience builds one’s crystallized intelligence over time. The two intelligences tend to converge in a person’s 40s, since this is an age where the faculties for fluid intelligence haven’t declined, and crystallized intelligence abounds. Not-so-coincidentally, many writers see their careers flourish in their 40s and 50s!

Many celebrated writers didn’t put pen to paper until middle age or later.

In fact, many celebrated writers didn’t put pen to paper until middle age or later. Laura Ingalls Wilder didn’t start writing until her 40s, and her Little House series didn’t start printing until she was 65. Likewise, Most of Wallace Stevens’ work was published after he turned 50; despite being a poet, he worked at an insurance company, and most of his coworkers were shocked when he won a Pulitzer at 75. Nobody knew that he wrote!

Finally, many university students return for a writing degree after establishing a career elsewhere. BFA and MFA programs around the world educate students in their 30s and beyond; in 2017, the average age of a low-residency MFA student in the U.S. was 35.4, according to LitHub and AWP .

Whether you’re 19 or 90, you’re never too old to write. The best time to write is yesterday; the second-best time is today.

Where to Begin your Writing Journey

Rather than an If-Then structure, the writing profession follows a Became-Because structure.

How do you become a writer? Where do you begin? The writing profession is unlike most professions, which follow an If-Then structure. If you get a bachelor’s degree, Then you can work as a nurse, computer scientist, or accountant; If you join a worker’s guild or apprenticeship program, Then you can find work in a number of trade jobs.

The writing profession follows a Became-Because structure. Zora Neale Hurston became a writer because she obtained degrees from Howard University and Barnard College, encouraging her to dissect the African American experience through a literary and anthropological lens.

Conversely, Haruki Murakami became a writer because of a baseball game .

The qualifications for becoming a writer are unique to the individual, and every writer is formed by personal interests and experiences. As a result, no one can tell you where to begin your writing journey; however, if you’re wondering how to become a writer, you’ve already started your journey by thinking about it.

If you’re wondering how to become a writer, you’ve already started your journey by thinking about it.

How to Become a Professional Writer: What “Professional” Means

One distinction to help you think about your writing journey is the difference between amateur and professional writers. If you’re not sure what you want to become, start with the following question: what does “professional” mean?

There are, generally, two classes of writers: amateurs and professionals. Before describing the professional writer, let’s be clear: “amateur” is not derogatory, and professional writers are not “better” than amateurs. Amateur comes from the Latin amator , “lover.” An amateur writer loves the written word just as much, sometimes even more, than the professional; amateurs simply have less pressure, deadlines, and financial dependence on writing. It’s a pastime, not a career.

If you want writing to be a significant portion of your income, then you aspire to being a professional writer.

If you want writing to be a significant portion of your income, then you aspire to being a professional writer. Professional writers have to approach their writing as a business, building a literary audience and keeping a regular writing schedule. Professional writers need to understand the ins and outs of the publishing industry—which they often learn through obtaining a university degree—and it also helps to have formal training in the publishing world and experience operating literary magazines.

How do you start to work toward becoming a professional writer? Below are resources to get you started.

Some Resources for Becoming a Professional Writer

At some point, the professional writer needs to know the ins and outs of writing as a business. This list covers the essentials of how to become a professional writer.

How to make money as a writer

• Explore freelance writing opportunities (updated weekdays at F.W.G.)
• 6 writers explain how they make money (NY Mag)
• Self-publishing versus traditional publishing (Self-Publishing School)
• Writing to market (Funds For Writers)

Taxes as a self-employed creative

• Taxes on freelance writing and royalties (TurboTax)
• Tax tips and unique situations (The Balance Careers)

Resources on publishing

• Poetry journals
• Fiction journals
• Creative nonfiction journals
• How to get published in a literary journal (Reader’s Digest)
• Book: What Editors Do by Peter Ginna ($25 at UChicago Press)

Becoming a writer online

• Basic guide to each social media platform (Kindlepreneur)
• Building an author’s website (The Write Practice)
• Free website template for authors (Copyfolio)
• Running a mailing list (Your Writer Platform)

Things to know before taking writing classes

• Poetry courses
• Fiction courses
• Creative nonfiction courses
• Why take a writing course?

Additional resources for learning how to become a writer

• Setting SMART goals
• Reading like a writer
• The golden rule: show, don’t tell
• Overcoming writer’s block

Becoming a Writer: Developing a Writing Habit

How do professional writers spend their workdays? Perhaps the trickiest part about becoming a writer is establishing a writing habit. For example, Haruki Murakami runs a 10K every morning to support his writing, and Charles Dickens wrote (and slept) facing north to improve his creativity.

Perhaps the trickiest part about becoming a writer is establishing a writing habit.

What works for one person rarely works for another, so experiment with writing habits—and when you find one that works, stick with it.

Generally, you can parse the writing business into 3 separate components:

• The writing life—putting pen to paper at regular intervals.
• Scheduled time for “the business of writing”—literary submissions, applying for grants, etc.
• An active media presence—blogging, tweeting, emailing, etc.

You’ll want to schedule time for each of these elements in your daily writing habit. Of course, this is easier said than done. Budding writers often overestimate their ability to work: they think they can spend 3 hours writing, 2 hours replying to emails, and 2 hours submitting work to journals. Then they spend the afternoon watching reruns of BBC quiz shows. (Yes! I did do this recently.)

That’s why forging a consistent writing habit is essential—for amateur writers as well as professionals. Writing at the same place at the same time encourages your brain to write every day. And, if you can’t keep yourself focused on writing, try experimenting with different writing rituals. If a 10K helps Murakami write, something equally unique could help you, too.

Take Your Next Step with Writers.com!

The classes we’ve curated in our upcoming schedule will take your writing life to the next level. Whether learning a new writing style or mastering the business of writing, becoming a writer feels a whole lot simpler with Writers.com.

Sean Glatch

10 comments.

Brilliant review Misty

I hope, I can be a better writer with your support.

Yeah. Same thing as with all other fields. Practice, practice, and once again, practice! It’s like a sport, you should always find new ways to practice.

This really helped me out. Thank you so much!

I’m 14 and i hope to become a writer someday. Thank you so much for the info.

Thank you for the information About to start my writing journey and thus really helped.

I’m a senior that would like to turn my love of writing into a profession. The information you have presented here has inspired me to continue moving towards that goal.

I live in a rural area of Uganda with very little education but always aspired to write a book on families. I am much encouraged. started it but got stuck ..

I love writing and thank you for information you have given meand am obliged to say thank.

i am very eager to become a writer be that script know how or fiction. i am a sponge for knowledge so i learn as i work. i treat everyday as a school day. i want to learn every single part of the writing career-be that if the editor drinks tea or coffee and how they like there papers folded. i soak information as i do a task. i love to build the bullet points for a story because everything needs a beginning. if you are baking a cake the eggs and flour are needed before you think about putting anything in the oven. to prepare a cake you need a tray to put it in-before you build a story you need a starting and then ingredients to put in along the way. i really love to build a story from different snippets of things. i have a thirst for many different aspects of life having spent a majority of time in hospitals and then being taken advantage of my my family because of my brain injury. so i know more than most in a lot of different subjects and matters in life, i have lost more than most in life but i am here telling my version of it to the big bright world. 0874762400 is my contact number

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How to Become a Writer: A Guide

So you want to be a writer. Awesome choice, if we do say so ourselves. 

But now you might find yourself wondering how to be a writer. Is a writer simply somebody who writes, or is there more to it? How much writing do you need to do before you can officially call yourself a writer? Do you need to get paid for your work in order to earn that title? Does it need to be published somewhere? 

Give your writing extra polish Grammarly helps you communicate the way you intend. Write with Grammarly

The answer to all of the questions above is no. As long as you’re writing, you’re a writer. Even if it takes ten years to get your first book published, you’ve been a writer since you sketched out your very first book outline. And although writing a book is one way to become a professional writer, it’s hardly the only way. Read on to learn more about the different writing careers you can pursue and how to get started. 

Determine the kind of writer you want to be

Writers fall into two very broad categories: writers who write simply for personal enjoyment and writers who write professionally. Many, perhaps even most, professional writers also write for fun and personal fulfillment—but not every writer who does it as a hobby also does it for a living. 

If you’ve determined you want to become a professional writer, there are a lot of different career paths to choose from. Take a look at a few of the most common career paths for writers:

Copywriters write the taglines, product descriptions, ads, and other short, emotion-packed bits of writing (known in the biz as “copy”) that drive people to take specific actions. Within this field, there are lots of specializations, like direct response copywriting, email copywriting, SEO copywriting, marketing copywriting, and brand copywriting. While plenty of copywriters are employed full-time, plenty more work for themselves, taking clients on a freelance basis. 

Beyond these specializations, copywriters typically focus on specific industries, like the medical industry, arts and entertainment, SAAS, pets, subscription services, and more—basically, any industry you can think of employs copywriters.  

According to Glassdoor, the average annual salary for copywriters in the United States is $57,864.*

Content writer

The blog post you’re reading right now was written by a content writer. In fact, all the content you’ve ever read on a website, like how-to guides, informational articles, and the text on infographics, was written by content writers. Even the ads you’ve watched on TV come from content writers—after all, somebody has to write the scripts.  

Bloggers fall into the category of “content writer.” Just like copywriters, content writers typically specialize in one or a few specific industries. And just like copywriters, they can work in-house or freelance. 

According to Glassdoor, the average annual salary for content writers in the United States is $47,233. 

Technical writer

Technical writers create documentation that teaches people how to use applications and tech equipment. They do this by writing instruction manuals, how-to guides, articles, and product guides. They write similar kinds of material as content writers, but the difference is that while content writers generally aim to engage readers, often as part of broader marketing strategies, technical writers write to explain how a product or system works. 

A technical writer’s work needs to be highly detailed and leave no room for misinterpretation or error. It’s fairly common, but not necessarily universal, for technical writers to have degrees or other formal training in STEM fields. 

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median pay for technical writers was $74,650 per year in 2020.

Communications officer

A communications officer acts as the spokesperson for a brand or another organization, publishing content like press releases and responding to media inquiries. Communications officers are sometimes referred to as public relations specialists or communications specialists. 

According to Glassdoor, the average annual salary for a communications officer is $57,896.

Journalists write timely news stories. A career in journalism requires more than writing skills; it requires strong research and interviewing skills, too. Journalists work in a variety of settings, from online outlets to radio and television to print publications. 

According to Payscale, the average annual salary for journalists in the US is $41,624.

Grant writer

A grant writer—also known as a proposal writer—researches, writes, and submits grant requests on behalf of individuals and organizations seeking funding. Generally, this role involves finding specific grants and determining whether they’re appropriate for the organization seeking them. It can also involve acting as a liaison between the funding provider and recipient. 

According to salary.com, the median salary for grant writers in the US is $72,645.

Columnists write and publish short essays from their personal points of view. Their publication platforms are known as “columns” and can be found in newspapers, magazines, and online. Often, a column covers news and evergreen topics within one specific area, like cryptocurrency or fashion design, and the columnist writing it has some sort of credential to write authoritatively on that subject—like a lengthy career as a crypto trader or an MFA in fashion design. 

According to salary.com, the average annual salary for columnists in the US is $66,725.

When you say “I’m a writer,” most people’s minds automatically jump to authors, as in published book authors.

For authors, it’s close to impossible to list an accurate annual salary. For every mega-bestselling author who rakes in millions, there are thousands of other authors sporadically publishing in literary magazines for a few hundred dollars per story. Even authors who publish books regularly and semi-regularly have wildly varying incomes, with the average coming in at $51,103 per year according to Payscale . If you’re considering the author path, the reality is that you’ll most likely need to work a full-time job while writing and publishing on the side. This is true whether you plan on pursuing traditional publishing or self-publishing, both of which have unique benefits and challenges for writers. 

>>Read More: How to Write a Book

If your primary focus is poetry, you’d refer to yourself as a poet. Similar to authors, poets’ incomes vary widely and typically, writing poetry is more of a monetized hobby than a full-time job. That said, there are commercial opportunities for poets, like writing for greeting card companies, but these are often on a freelance basis. 

Create realistic goals and expectations

The reality is this: You’re not likely to sit down and bang out a bestseller on the first try. Similarly, you’re not guaranteed to pitch a bunch of articles to websites and get them all accepted with no prior experience. Like every other pursuit, a writing career is something you cultivate and nurture over time. 

When you’re first starting out, set realistic goals for yourself. Maybe you want to become a full-time blogger . Choose a platform, set up your blog, and start publishing posts, giving yourself a reasonable but consistent schedule like one or two posts per week. Or maybe you’ve decided you want to give copywriting a shot. Some realistic starting points for an aspiring copywriter include listening to podcasts like The Copywriter Club and Copy Chief Radio , researching different areas of specialization, and applying for entry-level copywriting jobs and internships. You could even reach out to an already established copywriter for an informational interview .

The more you write and try out different kinds of writing, the better you’ll get to know yourself as a writer. Maybe you’ll find that you’re at your best when you’re working under a tight deadline and you have to focus on nothing but the work in front of you. Or you might find that’s the complete opposite of your style and you need lots of time to be able to write at a comfortable pace. Maybe writing is the creative outlet you need after spending the day at a boring desk job—or your best ideas come to you in the middle of the night. 

There are lots of different types of writers , and nobody fits neatly into one box or another. But taking the time to determine which type of writer you can primarily classify yourself as can help you identify your strengths and areas of opportunity. If you’re planning to pursue writing as a career, it can also help you determine which kind of writing career suits you best. A meticulous plotter, for example, can find a ton of success as a technical writer, but they might not have the spontaneity necessary to make it as a direct response copywriter. Similarly, an idea generator can be their blogging client’s best-kept secret, but they might not make a great grant writer. 

Work with the tools writers use

There are a lot of apps and other tools available to help you organize your writing, take notes on the go, write faster, and make sure your work is free of mistakes (hint hint: there’s one that starts with a G and ends with “rammarly”). 

Explore these tools and if you plan on going into a specific writing-focused career field, familiarize yourself with the tools writers in that industry use most frequently. A few of the most common tools professional and hobby writers use are:

• Google Docs
• Wordstream Free Keyword Tool
• FX Flesch-Kincaid Readability tool
• Citation Machine
• StayFocused

There are more tools and resources available for you—a lot more. Many of them are specific to certain kinds of writing, like Yoast, which is a search engine optimization (SEO) plug-in. 

Become a regular reader

You’ve probably been told that if you want to be a writer, you need to be a reader. And it’s true—just like listening to a variety of music is key to being a skilled musician, reading lots of different kinds of writing will help you become a stronger writer. 

Don’t just read the kind of writing you want to do; read about writing. Here are a few great books for learning about different types of writing and the craft of writing:

• Breakthrough Copywriting by David Garfinkel
• Wired for Story by Lisa Cron
• On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft by Stephen King
• Telling True Stories by Mark Kramer and Wendy Call

Other valuable resources for writers include blogs and social media groups about writing. Reading doesn’t have to be a formal, sit-down-and-don’t-get-up-until-you’ve-finished-the-chapter kind of thing; you can easily get some valuable reading in by scrolling the r/writing subreddit or another forum for writers while you’re standing in line at the store, sitting on the bus, or on your work breaks. 

Common questions about becoming a writer

Do you need a degree to be a writer.

Not necessarily. But it can help, and if you’re looking for full-time writing jobs, a degree may be required. 

Common degrees to pursue if you want to be a writer include English, journalism, and communications. It also isn’t uncommon for a professional writer to have a degree in another area and focus their career on writing in that niche. For example, you might have a degree in economics and decide you’d like to become a finance journalist. 

Advanced degrees and beyond

Just like you don’t need a bachelor’s degree to become a writer, you don’t need an advanced degree—in most cases. As you search for writing jobs, you’ll likely come across listings for higher-level positions that do require advanced degrees. Usually, these listings are for candidates with highly specialized knowledge in one area, like a listing for a legal writer requiring that all applicants have a JD. But do you need an MFA in Creative Writing to publish your novel? Of course not!

Do I really need to write every day?

You’ve probably heard that if you want to be a professional writer, you need to write every day. What this advice really boils down to is practice makes perfect. You don’t necessarily have to write every single day, but carving out a block of time to focus on your writing regularly will help you become a stronger writer. 

Where can I connect with other writers?

For a lot of writers, being part of a writing community is important. This is especially true if you go the freelance route—it’s always helpful to have peers you can bounce ideas off and ask for advice. 

You can find lots of writing communities on social media as well as other places online. Some are free and open to everybody, while others are industry- and niche-specific and may require membership dues. You can also find in-person writing groups through platforms like meetup.com. 

Become a better writer instantly

As Hemingway said, good writing is rewriting. But before you can rewrite your work, you need to know where you made mistakes and where you can make changes to make your writing stronger. Grammarly can help with that. 

No matter what kind of writing you’re doing, Grammarly catches issues with punctuation, grammar and syntax mistakes, and tone inconsistencies. This way, your writing doesn’t just shine but also helps you reach your goals—whether that’s to teach your reader something, to convey important information, or to make them feel something deeply. 

*All salaries cited in this article were the averages at the time of this article’s original publication unless noted otherwise.

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How to Become a Writer: 10 Easy Steps to Follow

I frequently get asked the question from readers “how do I become a writer?”

I find it slightly ironic that I usually get this via email, so the inevitable answer becomes “well, you already are a writer.”

But what about those people who simply want to get better at writing?

As far as I’m concerned, writing is the most important skill one can have.

I’m not even very good at it in the grand scheme of things, yet I’ve made a living through my writing for well over a decade now.

And if I can do it, then you  definitely  can!

Being a good writer leads to being a better and more coherent thinker.

It’s also one of the few mediums that no matter what you do, or who you are in life, you will write nearly every day.

Whether it’s simply sending an email or updating your status on social media, being able to clearly articulate your thoughts is an incredibly valuable skill.

But just because we all write, doesn’t necessarily mean we’re all “writers”.

In this post, I’m not only going to teach you how to become a better writer , but I’m going to help you understand why it’s so important to continue developing your writing skills in the process.

Too lazy to read the whole thing? No problem, here’s the short version

Here’s How to Become a Writer:

• Step 1: Become a better reader
• Step 2: Write Everyday
• Step 3: Start a Blog
• Step 4: Read the book “Everybody Writes” by Ann Handley
• Step 5: Enroll in an Online Writing Course
• Step 6: Find a Place to Get  Honest  Critiques
• Step 7: Start Journaling
• Step 8: Practice Becoming More Conversational
• Step 9: “Write Drunk, Edit Sober”
• Step 10: Recognize  Why  You Want to Become a Writer

It’s as simple as that! Of course, if you’re actually serious  about becoming a writer, then read on for resources and tips to help you with each of these steps. And if video is more your thing? I got you covered there as well:

How to Become a Writer in 10 Easy Steps (Detailed Version)

Below are ten of the things that I’ve done and members of our Location Rebel Academy community have done to hone their writing skills.

1) Become a Better Reader

Most of the best writers I know are also voracious readers. The more you read, and specifically the more books you read, the more you’re exposed to high-quality writing.

Without realizing this, you’re internalizing the elements of the text, and you’ll slowly find yourself beginning to implement them in your own writing.

Not only this, reading gives you ideas. Lots and lots of ideas. And the more ideas you have , the easier it becomes to put them down on paper.

Resources for Becoming a Better Reader:

• Try These Books – Want to get started reading today? Check out this post where you’ll find 12 books to help you jumpstart a love of reading (and prepare you to be a lifestyle entrepreneur).
• Goodreads – This is a social network dedicated to reading. Use it to find books and see reviews, and check out what your friends are reading. You can find quite a few great books on here you might have never thought about before.
• Your Local Library – Yup, libraries are filled with great resources, all for free. And, most libraries now also feature online books and audio resources in addition to all the traditional stuff.

2) Write Everyday

As with anything in life, practice makes perfect.

If you limit your writing to 3 tweets a month, you’re probably not going to improve much.

But if you write every day, you’ll begin to notice the process becoming easier. Thoughts becoming clearer. And most importantly, you’ll begin to enjoy it more.

It’s always more fun to do things we’re good at. Writing is no different.

A great way to do this is by committing to a certain number of words every day.

Chris shoots for 1,000 words a day.

I simply go for 200 and know that if I get that far, there’s a good chance I’ll probably write 5 to 10x that number.

Simply put, the more I write, the more successful I become.

Need a little help writing every day? These 25 writing tools will get you on the right track.

Watch number 7 specifically:

3) Start a Blog

Speaking of blogs, one of the best ways to become a writer, is quite simply to  become a writer!

The fastest way to do this is to start a blog. This is also the very first step I recommend people take no matter  what  online business they’re starting.

Starting a blog completely changed my life. When I began Location Rebel back in 2009, I had no idea it would give me the opportunities that it has.

The positive effects of starting happened quickly, too. Just look at these 56 reasons . I was able to write this less than a year after I began this site.

Not sure what to write about? I wasn’t either. Just go back and look at some of my earliest posts – I was clueless, and my writing was pretty rough as well.

But I wrote about whatever I was interested in or thinking about, and over time the niche and topics began to become clearer, the same will happen for you.

Here’s everything you need to get going: The Step by Step Guide to Setting up Your First Blog.

If you’re worried about the legal side of starting a writing business or a blog, then this business structure overview will help ease the stress.

4) Read “Everybody Writes” by Ann Handley

When people ask me for steps on how to become a better writer – I always tell them to read Everybody Writes.

It fully recognizes the concept that we’re always writing, marketing, and promoting – even if we don’t realize it.

It helps you specifically focus on writing engaging and interesting content that will do well online.

Other books I recommend on the topic are:

• Bird by Bird: Some Instructions on Writing and Life by Anne Lamott
• The War of Art by Steven Pressfield

5) Enroll in an Online Writing Course

We just talked about my favorite book for aspiring writers, but what about people that really want to go all in and truly start honing their crafts?

There are a lot of different courses online for people who want to become writers.

My favorite is CopyHour.

This focuses specifically on how to become a better copywriter , or how to be more persuasive with your words. It takes a fairly unconventional approach, but it works.  This is also how I improved my own skills.

If you’re looking for a good starting point, grab our  free  freelance writing guide to help you get on the right track.

6) Find a Place to Get  Real  Critiques

This is a problem, not just with writers, but with creatives or business people as a whole.

Often times it can be difficult to get real feedback from people because those closest to you  want you to feel good.

They would rather be nice and polite than tell you what you really need to hear.

When you’re trying to improve your writing skills, this is  horrible.  The last thing you want is to keep repeating bad habits, or spending hours crafting work that isn’t interesting.

Your mom is probably not the best person to critique your work. Neither is your significant other.

Find either a business peer or mentor you trust, or you can find communities online to get  real  feedback.

Simply put? Do everything you can to get radical transparency from those around you.

Forums for writing critiques:

• Location Rebel Academy – We’re constantly giving our members feedback on their content writing, their websites, and their approach to finding clients. We’re friendly, but firm, and while we’ll always complement the things you’re doing well, we’ll never just tell you what you want to hear.
• Writing Forums – These forums tend to focus on fiction writing, but can be a great place to get feedback on the style of your writing, and to get ideas as well.
• Legend Fire – This is a forum specifically for writing critiques. Again it generally focuses on creative writing but is an excellent starting point.

7) Start Journaling 

This is a common thread I’ve seen among many of my most successful entrepreneur friends – they journal.

Sometimes just for 5 minutes a day, some for an hour.

Journaling will not only help you organize your thoughts and prioritize tasks or initiatives but by writing in it on a regular basis, you’re writing will begin to improve.

As we mentioned earlier, the most important thing you can do to become a writer  is to write.  Journaling can be an easy way to start doing that, without the pressure of having to publicize any of it.

Here are three journals I’ve used:

• Moleskine – This is the best one you can get for writing, hands down. No prompts, just empty pages for you to write out your thoughts.
• Productivity Planner – This was given to me by a friend of mine, and I think it’s  great.  If the idea of writing in a journal every day is intimidating, start with this. It helps you focus on your daily and weekly tasks. By writing in it daily, you start to build that habit, which you can, in turn, translate into more freeform journal writing.
• Self Journal – Very similar to the Productivity Planner above, but taking a focus on gratitude and tracking small actions every day.

I’ve been using my Self Journal for the last month or so.

8) Practice Becoming More Conversational

This might be the best piece of writing advice I’ve ever received. One of the first guest posts I’d ever written was for the personal finance site Get Rich Slowly.

The guy behind the site JD Roth , told me numerous times during revisions, “be more conversational and relaxed,  use more contractions!”

Online the more conversational you are, the easier your writing is to read, the more relatable and trustworthy you become, and the better your flow of writing becomes.

If you’re like me, you’ll have to train yourself to get away from formal writing like you were trained to do in high school and college.

Comparing my writing in 2009 to now, you’ll notice  many  more contractions and a very conversational tone.

I have JD to thank for that.

9) “Write Drunk, Edit Sober”

This is the famous quote attributed to Hemmingway, that I think has a lot of validity to it. (Even though most agree Hemmingway didn’t  actually  coin the term.)

Sure you can take it literally if you want, but the way I personally interpret it is to let your writing be creative and free-flowing.

Don’t get bogged down in research, adding links, formatting, or overthinking.

Just write.

Then go back with fresh eyes to add edit, revise, format, and to make sure all of the claims you made during your initial draft you know, are actually true.

Hemmingway may not have written drunk, but he sure knew how to pick the good spots in Havana. This was at Hotel Ambos Mundos where he wrote For Whom the Bell Tolls:

Derek Johanson, Clay Boeschen and Sean Ogle at Hotel Ambos Mundos in Havana, Cuba

10) Recognize  Why  You Want to Become a Writer

There are a nearly limitless number of good reasons to become a writer. Maybe you want to get into the first stages of freelance writing , maybe you want to up your game and become a B2B content writer , or maybe you want to self-publish lots of books .

But you have to know which of those reasons are the reasons that  you  want to become a better writer.

As with anything, you can only hone your craft and get better at skills if you have the proper motivation behind it.

So what is your motivation?

Is it to write more compelling Facebook posts to prove to your friends how great your life really is? Is it to get the attention of influencers with clever emails that are also thoughtful? Watch this video to see how one of the biggest musical acts on the planet did just that, and  how you can use the same strategy:

Or is it more than that?

Whatever the reason is that you’re trying to learn how to become a writer,  know the reason,  and focus on it during your quest to improve your skills.

Frequently Asked Questions About Becoming a Writer

Ok, you’re still not totally convinced? Have a few more questions about how to become a successful writer? I’ve got you covered.

How Long Does it Take to Become a Writer?

There’s good news and bad news. The good news is that you already are a writer. You may not be a  good  writer, but if you can write anything at all, then you’ve earned the title “writer.”

The bad news? Most people spend their entire lives trying to get to earn the title of “good writer.” Even the best authors in the world will be critical of their skills and work.

So take it one thing at a time, and just work to improve wit each piece you write.

How Do You Become a Full-Time Writer?

If you’re trying to figure out how to become a full-time writer, you’ve got lots of options.

Within Location Rebel Academy , my goal is to have you earning a solid income within 90 days. It may not quite be full-time money at that point, but you’ll be on your way.

To quickly make a full-time living writing, start by freelancing. It’s the easiest way to get going. Depending on your background and skills, there are a number of different types of remote freelance positions you can start with.

You can also become a blogger, self-published author, or technical writer as well. But by starting with freelancing you’ll be able to quickly build your skills, income, and confidence.

How Do You Become a Writer Without a Degree?

Want to learn how to become a writer without a degree? Good news, you  absolutely  don’t need a degree of any sort to be a writer.

My degree was in finance.

One of my favorite stories illustrating this is from Asia Gregg . Asia had no formal writing background, lived in a trailer park, and became one of the best copywriters in the world all on her own (she’s actually an Academy member as well!)

Want to Make a Living as a Freelance Writer?

Great, we think that’s one of the  best  online businesses you can start right now.

We have an incredibly step-by-step post on freelance writing that will walk you through everything you need to know to get started.

You can also watch the video here:

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20 comments on " How to Become a Writer: 10 Easy Steps to Follow "

Great post Sean!

I plan to put several of these steps to work. I also want to add a book to your list: Stephen King’s “On Writing: A Memoir Of The Craft.” He shares his writing experiences and struggles. The book is focused on writing novels, but the information is also useful for non-fiction writers as well. This book has helped pick me up on more than one occasion.

Great recommendation with King’s book. It’s been on my personal to read list, and a lot of people I respect highly recommend it.

I second this motion!

I thought it was going to be a straight-up lecture about style and grammar but it’s actual a great read about King’s own story and has some great insight and inspiration along the way. Just thinking about it now makes me want to read it again!

I am looking at App Sumo for adding content to my blog when I start it, the reviews are pretty bad. Any comments?

What exactly are you looking at on AppSumo? Is there a specific product they are promoting?

Hi, this was a good read. I was wondering if I can syndicate it on my blog. I write spiritual/prayer books and have about 20 books in Amazon so far, but I tell you, I learned from this article.

Thanks in advance

Probably not going to be a good fit for syndication right now, but feel free to link back to this post if you think your audience would resonate with it.

Nice stuff Sean!!

Since more people are investing big buck on writing, the basic steps of writing a quality content became very crucial.

To be an expert blogger, effective writing is a must. So to have a perfect starting on writing a professional content, this post helps to gather some new compelling ideas on improvising the writing on the basis of the needs of the readers/audience.

Great Simple tips!! I started to follow some of the given resources.

Thanks Regards, Sathish

Glad you enjoyed it Sathish! Totally agree.

I like your suggestion about getting real critiques. I think it’s invaluable to hear from people who are not as “attached” to the writing. I try to get a mix of feedback from people who may or may not know anything about the topic.

Yeah I definitely agree. I think this is one of the most important things on here. It’s not just with writing, either. Getting critiques from unbiased or impartial people on anything you’re trying to actually get better at is valuable.

This is somewhat encouraging for a newbie like me who simply have been writing business correspondence but wishes to do creative writing. Made me decide to pick up journal writing again. Thanks

Very nice, interesting and informative article. Thanks. I honesty didn’t know what to expect, but I liked it. Ps. I feel you on the using more contractions thing. 😀 Our English teacher always tells us to cancel out any contractions on our creative writing material when doing draft and editing. 😀 🙈

Exactly accurate! Thanks for this Sean.

Accuracy requires constant truthfulness. To write an accurate spiritual book, you need to stick to the truth all the time.

Thank you for this post. I’ve always been so intrigued by the world of writing and sharing stories, so I’ve finally decided to take seriously pursue these dreams. I will use these steps to guide my journey. Out of curiosity, do you prefer writing by hand or typing? I love writing by hand, but I know so much has gone digital and ultimately I’d have to type anything I want published/posted. Any advice for this? Or do I just need to learn to enjoy typing more?

Thanks again.

Great work Sean, I don’t know what to say about myself. I have tried to write like three-four stories and in the end I always give up. I feel like I can’t describe much in draft. I get confused a lot. I repeat same words in many lines and I use many negatives like don’t, doesn’t. I get lost and confused. I hate giving up. I love writing and they are so damn great escape for me. Damn it, I don’t what to say. You have an email? Maybe I can explain things freely there. Thanks!!! Regards, SL.

Thanks for this. I’ve been wanting to be a writer for so long but didn’t know how and where to start. This gives me clear direction for my next steps. Thanks again!

Thank you Sean. I love how encouraging, clear and concise your writing is. I got my first writing gigs last year thanks to your posts and I keep going back for more ideas.

It was a wonderful and beneficial article for me and really I got pleasured after reading your whole article. 🙂

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Additional information: Previous question and answer: 1. We have...

Answer & explanation.

The predicative "be" is sometimes left out of embedded clauses in standard English. This happens most often in reduced or elliptical forms. One usual place to see this is in "small clauses." As an example:

• She thought he was brilliant. (Full form with "be": She thought he was brilliant.)
• They called her captain. Complete form with "be": They chose her as the leader. The phrases "a genius" and "the captain" are used as predicative complements to the verbs "consider" and "named," and the word "be" is left out.

You can leave out "be" in either predicative or identity sentences, but not vice versa. In some situations, "be" doesn't have to be included in a declarative sentence like above. In identity clauses, however, leaving out "be" is usually not allowed. In this case, "Cicero Tully" does not mean "Cicero is Tully."

It depends on the theory you use to decide whether identity "be" should be taken as meaningless or given a meaning. Identity "be" is thought to be semantically empty in some theories of language because it only sets up an identity link between two words and doesn't add any others. In other theories, though, the name "be" might have a semantic type that stands for this function.

A lot of the time, the goals and assumptions of a linguistic study determine whether to give identity "be" a meaning or think of it as meaningless. Both ways of doing things can work in some language situations. 

Approach to solving the question: Hello student! I hope this can help you. 

Detailed explanation:

Key references:

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Basic Writing Knowledge Test

Test if you have what it takes to be a writer or a good spouse or friend to a writer. To go easy on you, the test is multiple choice. Sometimes, just one answer is correct, but other times, two or more answers will be correct. Choose ALL the right answers.

The hardest part about writing is...?

The research, plotting, writing, rewriting, editing, and all the other tedious paperwork.

Dealing with all the marriage proposals from adoring fans.

Deciding on what to spend your royalties.

It probably depends on the writer and the story.

Rate this question:

Keeping a spreadsheet with your writing progress is...?

More boring than watching grass grow.

Incredibly sexy.

Totally crazy.

What's a spreadsheet?

A beta reader is...?

Something a good writer doesn't need because she'll work with a copy editor before publication.

Worth her weight in chocolate.

A human spellchecker.

  The term "L-Book"...

Stands for "listening book."

Is an homage to "The L-Word" -- only with better writing.

Means "lesbian book."

The subjunctive mood...

Is created by lighting a candle and wearing a sexy thong before you sit down to write.

Is created when all that damn grammar is giving the writer a headache.

Is created to express wishes, commands, and statements that are contrary to fact.

Is created with "were," not "was," even if the pronoun is "he" or "she."

The golden rule of writing is...?

Show, don't tell.

Never judge a book by its cover.

Ever romance must have a happy end.

Put in a sex scene at least every five chapters.

Your beta reader is always right.

What books do or should writers use almost daily?

The Bible (or other holy books, depending on the writer's religion).

The Chicago Manual of Style.

Merriam-Webster's Dictionary.

Her checkbook.

A cookbook.

What does an author need to consider when she names a character?

It's best not to have the first name end in "s"

It's best not to have the last name end in "s"

It's best not to have two characters have first names starting with the same letter.

It's best to pair a short first name with a longer last name and vice versa.

It's best not to name characters after your ex-girlfriends.

The Three-Act Structure means...?

That every story needs a beginning, a middle, and an end.

That each romance novel needs to have at least three sexual acts.

That every chapter should have at least three scenes.

Name the correct order of authorial steps:

Story idea, research, plotting, writing, rewriting, editing/proofreading, creating the cover, working with a copy editor, cashing in the paycheck.

Using last book's paycheck to buy research books, writing, editing, rewriting.

Story idea, finding a harem of beta readers, writing, copy editing, submitting your work to the publisher, creating the cover, cashing in the paycheck.

Head hopping means...?

Unattributed dialogue that leaves the reader confused as to who said what.

Shifting the point of view in mid-scene.

Creating reader identification with the characters by having the character be kicked in the head during an action scene.

What title of one of her novels or short stories would Jae like to change if she had the chance?

Backwards to Oregon

Conflict of Interest

Next of Kin

Change of Pace

The Art of Pretending

What is the most common source of confusion for German writers who write in English?

Prepositions

The issues Americans have with orange juice and pizza toppings

Hyphens and dashes

A dangling modifier is...?

Something that only happens in romances with an NC-17 rating.

A phrase that doesn't modify any word in the sentence.

A minor character that doesn't fit in with the other characters.

A plotting mistake where storylines aren't properly resolved and the reader is left hanging.

How many writers does it take to change a lightbulb?

Just one. Writers are solitary creatures anyway.

One writer, but she can only do it with the help of at least one beta reader, two plot advisors, a copy editor, and a couple of test readers.

What do you mean "change the lightbulb"? A true writer doesn't stop her writing for things like that. She continues writing just by the light of her laptop screen.

Two if they're writers of romance novels. And then they'll write happily ever after.

That depends on the number of plot obstacles.

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Writer Mock Interview

To help you prepare for your Writer interview, here are 30 interview questions and answer examples.

Get More Information About Our Writer Interview Questions

Question 1 of 30

What is your proofreading strategy?

How to Answer

1st answer example, 2nd answer example.

The interviewer would like to know that you have methods in place, ensuring that the work you submit is your best work, right out of the gate. There are many tools you can use for proofing including an independent editor, or a proofing program such as Grammarly or Hemingway. It would be a significant red flag to the hiring authority if you relied solely on your spelling and grammatical knowledge.

"Everything that I submit to my boss and clients first runs through the Grammarly application. I appreciate its use for more than spelling and grammar as well. It picks up any context issues and also checks for potential plagiarism concerns. I don't know what I would do without it!"

"In my current role, I have a full-time editor who works on my submissions, making them just a bit better every time! Sometimes he catches a spelling error, a missing comma, or thinks of a way to make it more concise. Coming out with perfect copy takes a team, in my opinion."

Next Question

30 Writer Interview Questions & Answers

1. what is your proofreading strategy.

Written by Rachelle Enns on December 20th, 2018

2. The cost of conversions continues to rise for companies, no matter the industry. How does your work improve conversions and ROI for each client?

The interviewer would like to see that you have a full understanding of conversions and what it means to keep your employers return on investment in mind when creating content. Primarily, this question will apply to content published online since there are straightforward ways to measure conversions and audience engagement. Share how your work engages an audience, prompting them to act.

"I recently read that the average company spends $200-$350 per day on social media advertising. That is a budget that adds up quickly, especially if there is little to no return. I make sure that my work generates conversions by first getting ideas from the audience or my employers' customers. When I know for a fact that I am writing about a topic that is interesting to them, I know it will convert. Second, I make sure to educate the reader. When your audience learns something from you, they are much more likely to subscribe, return to your site, or share your content."

"I keep conversions top of mind in each piece of content that I create. To convert these days, and to see an ROI on big advertising dollars, one must put out well-researched content that entertains and educates at the same time. Also, allowing for a two-way conversation is very important. This idea means opening up the comments section and avoiding the 'post and ghost' where you post an article or piece of content and are not around to address questions or comments. Reader engagement is critical in our digital age where new material is released every second."

3. In a landscape where most content is ignored, how do you ensure your content gets well-deserved attention?

Our world is incredibly content rich these days, and so, the struggle is to ensure that your content is seen and heard in this noisy landscape. As a writer, you know that it's essential to release exciting and well-researched work, but the interviewer wants to see that you also understand how critical it is to deliver pieces that are share-worthy, with the potential of going viral. Discuss how you ensure that your content gets the attention it deserves.

"I recently completed training with Billy Gene Marketing, who taught me to ask three questions when putting out a piece of content. Is it entertaining? Does it educate? Does it ask the audience to take a specific action? When it comes to entertaining, I ensure that my content stops people in their tracks. Second, they will always come back for more if they learned something from your content. They will also be more likely to share it and tell their friends about it. Lastly, when you ask your audience to act, which can be a simple call to action, you are gaining a small commitment from them. These three rules of content marketing have never steered me wrong."

"To ensure my content gains attention, I first make sure that I have a full understanding of the audience, and what their biggest problem may be. I write a headline that creates curiosity surrounding that problem. Then, I let the reader know that a solution is available...if they keep reading. I have training in writing pitches and sales copy, so there is a multitude of other writing techniques that I incorporate to ensure my content is impossible to ignore."

4. What is your framework for delivering work that doesn't feel forced, and speaks effortlessly to your target audience?

The interviewer would like to know your process when it comes to starting and working through a project. As a writer, it's crucial that you have a structured framework, or an underlying system, to ensure that your work always flows naturally. Discuss how you approach a project, step by step.

"It is important to me that I begin each project by following a structure that I created for myself a few years ago. First, I begin with fleshing out to whom I am writing. Then, I write a partial conclusion, deciding what pain point or problem it is for the reader. Next, I create bullet points that I will return to and build up later. The introduction is the last thing that I write. Once I have the skeleton of the written piece, I can wordsmith the article, ensuring it speaks in the correct tone and flows appropriately."

"My system for approaching a piece of writing will depend on how much I know on the topic, how long the piece is, and where it will be published. For an e-book for instance, where it's easy to get off the rails and remain focused, I will first gather all of my research and then decide on an angle. Working backward, I think about the end. What do the readers want to get out of this book? Once that question is answered, I create a full outline using a mindmap. Then, I flesh out the chapters."

5. Are you familiar with sales copy and writing pitches? If so, what are the most important factors in writing an effective pitch?

A great copywriter will understand the basics of a pitch, and how to incorporate pitch writing effectively in every piece of copy. If you have taken any coursework on writing pitches, or pitch decking, talk to the interviewer about this education. Perhaps you have self-taught, or watched a ton of IGTV videos on the topic, from Neil Patel, Gary Vee, or Oren Klaff. Discuss what you know, assuring the interviewer that you can write compelling sales copy.

"Just last year I paid for the Oren Klaff pitch mastery program called Pitch Anything. The program was worth every penny because what I learned dramatically increased my ability to write compelling sales copy and pitches. The basics of that course taught me how to set the frame, tell the story, reveal the intrigue, offer the prize, nail the hook point, and get the deal."

"I have created some Facebook copy, retargeting ads, and a variety of segmented email campaigns, all with excellent sales copy. The bulk of my training is from personal research and independent learning. I am great with writing compelling call to actions as well as headlines that drive conversions. Although my education is not formal, my work has seen open rates as high as 36% and record-breaking click-through rates for my current employer. I feel my method is effective because I know how to search for the pain point, reveal just part of the solution, and ask for the sale."

6. How will you get to know our market, ensuring your copy targets the right audience with the greatest impact?

One of the most critical factors of content success is ensuring you create it for the correct audience. The interviewer would like to know that you have a keen interest in getting to know their target audience, and their industry, ensuring that your copy makes a significant impact on their sales, conversions, and other important KPIs. Some steps you could take include getting to know their marketing list, their biggest customers, how they segment their email marketing, and whom exactly makes up the bulk of their followers on social media.

"I have been following your company on all social media platforms, analyzing from my end whom your primary audience is, who currently engages with your content on a consistent basis, and what their lifestyles appear to be. If I am the successful candidate, I will dig into your analytics right away to find the patterns that I need to lock down a writing style, and voice, that will best resonate."

"One of my strengths as a writer is my understanding of Google analytics as well as data that comes from a CRM and other sources. I plan to comb through everything that I can, to gain a solid understanding of the customer persona I am writing to, and trying to attract. My previous employer saw a 12% increase in conversions in my first 90 days of employment after I deployed that strategy."

7. How would you alter your writing style to suit our different reader demographics?

There are many ways that you can alter your writing style, but it's only a useful approach if you first understand the demographic to whom you are writing. Before your interview, you should have an excellent understanding of who will be reading the work that you deliver in this role. Perhaps one day you will be writing on finance and bitcoin and then the next, a piece on fashion or dating. This variety is a regular occurrence for most writers, and the interviewer wants to see that you can adapt. Share an example of a time when you successfully changed your writing style for a particular audience or specifically discuss how you plan to ensure your writing style is a match for this role.

"My personal writing style is educational, and based on research versus opinion. With that said, I like to add some lightheartedness into my writing on a regular basis. I have researched your demographics and understand that the bulk of your audience is male professionals, between the ages of 45-55, seeking sound financial and investments advice. I will ensure that my writing style is a fit by referring to experts in the industry, keeping sentences crisp and to-the-point, while also offering information from highly credible sources."

"I first came across your publication while doing some reading on my own time. The style of your blog is informative yet entertaining which genuinely spoke to me since this is how I write, also. After conducting some research, I found that you have two primary demographics. One, the stay-at-home-mommy blogger and two, the solo entrepreneur who is seeking more information on how to run a successful business from a home office. I can adapt my writing style between the two demographics by bringing in relatable examples and referencing influencers from each particular space. I look forward to showing you what I can do!"

8. Can you give me an example of a time you disagreed with a boss or a client about a writing assignment and how you handled the situation?

Be prepared to discuss a time when you did not agree with your manager because you did not like what they were asking you to write. This situation is not uncommon as a writer, when you are not in control of your topics or when you may have a different writing style than your boss, or client. Discuss how you addressed your point of view and how you came to an agreement without leaving any tension.

"There have been times where my client had a certain bias they wanted me to include in my writing. However, part of me always wants to keep a story fair and balanced. At one point, I went into their office and discussed how we could move forward without including a bias. My client agreed we should present information fairly to the public, and we resolved the potential conflict."

"It is often tricky dealing with a manager who constantly disagrees with the way one works or gets the job done. However, a good writer can communicate well with their boss to figure out a way to compromise. In the recent past, my supervisor disagreed on the direction I should take the narrative, but I sat down with him and showed him my ultimate plan. We compromised on a few things, and in the end, we were both happy."

9. In your opinion, what is the top cardinal sin in content marketing?

These days, a great writer will also be well versed in content marketing. The two topics often go hand-in-hand, and the interviewer wants to see that you are capable of creating content around modern marketing strategies. Discuss the biggest mistakes that you see in content marketing today, and then express how, as a writer, you avoid those pitfalls.

"Content marketing is a robust topic and one that, as a writer, I need to remain knowledgeable in at all times. Right now, at a time when content needs to be pushed out on a near-hourly basis, I see the biggest mistake is when companies publish content just for the sake of publishing. This strategy does more harm than good because it dilutes your content and frustrates your audience. It's much more valuable to have 50 engaged readers, who will click your call to action, than 1500 readers who swipe away or unsubscribe, the moment your content reaches them."

"Putting out amazing content without having an 'ask' or a call to action, is one of the most significant mistakes that I see writers and marketers make today. When you do not ask the reader to do something, such as buy your e-book, share the article, or subscribe to your content, you are missing out on profitable opportunities."

10. Which content management systems are you most familiar with?

If you are aware of the content management system used by the interviewing company, be sure to research the CMS before your interview. Chances are, if you are already familiar with one or two systems, you will quite quickly pick up the one used by them. Briefly discuss which systems you are familiar with, rating your knowledge from beginner to intermediate, advanced, or expert. If you are not sure which CMS they use in this new role, you can ask! This question will show the interviewer that you have the initiative to learn.

"For the past five years I have worked exclusively with Bynder. This system is a cloud-based digital asset management software that allows me and my team to search files quickly. The system also allows for real-time edits and approvals which is a game changer. I am tech savvy and an advanced user in many systems, making me confident in my ability to quickly learn the systems here. Could you share with me which CMS you lean on? I would love to get a head start by watching online tutorials."

"I see in your job posting that you use Wrike for managing content and workflow. This was exciting to see since I am already an expert user in this system. My previous two employers used the upgraded version of Wrike, so I am familiar with the basic and premium features. I appreciate that it allows for live editing as well as shared tasks and real-time updates. Are there any other systems or software that I could familiarize myself with in the meantime?"

11. When do you find it most appropriate to use each of the two main style guides?

As you are aware, the two main style guides in US writing include AP Style (The Associated Press Stylebook) and The Chicago Manual of Style, more simply referred to as Chicago style. The interviewer is looking for in-depth knowledge of each method and when it is more appropriate to use one over the other. Discuss when you would use each, and give an example of a project you have completed, using each style guide. If you have completed knowledge testing on either of these style guides, you can mention your results.

"I find that AP Style is my go-to style for more casual or general writing such as online articles. The rules are more basic and less formal. I will incorporate the New Your Style Manual for legal documents, as I do have some clients who require legal editing. When it comes to academic papers, such as my thesis, I utilize Chicago Style. I recently took testing on all three style guides, and AP Style was my strongest with Chicago Style coming in a close second place."

"Being formally trained in academic and technical writing, Chicago Style is the guide that I primarily follow, and the one in which I mainly write. I have many projects in progress, within the academic field, and Chicago Style is the one I use. When it comes to less formal writing, or journalistic style pieces, I will move to AP style."

12. When have you failed to properly proofread a document that resulted in a loss or embarrassment with your company? What have you learned since making that mistake?

The way you handle mistakes, loss, and embarrassment says a lot about your character. For that reason, the interviewer would like to know about a time when you failed to proofread or edit properly. Discuss what the mistake was, what the repercussions were, how you fixed the situation, and what you learned from it.

"A few months ago I accidentally sent an unedited first draft to my client, rather than the completed and edited first draft. It was a new client for our agency, so the first impression was not ideal. The client called my boss to complain that my work was not what they expected. Upon further investigation, it came to light that the work I sent was, indeed, not the version intended for the client. What I learned from this error is to name and save my files more clearly."

"This year I gained my first UK based client. I did not thoroughly research British versus US English and sent them an e-book filled with spelling errors, according to their preferred English. I was very embarrassed that I did not have the foresight to think beyond my bubble, being sensitive to their language preferences. I ended up hiring a professional editor from the UK, out of pocket, so that I could be sure the second version my new client received was accurate. Now, when I intake new clients, I ask them which English version they prefer."

13. What excites you the most about a being a professional writer?

The interviewer is interested in knowing what drives you to be a writer. A career as a writer can seem glamorous, but the truth is, there are long hours chained to your computer, studying topics that may be of zero interest to you, or mastering topics so complicated that they make your eyes cross. Being a writer can be a highly secluded and independent career, depending on the setting in which you work. Show the interviewer you are aware of the ups and downs associated with a job in writing but also explain what genuinely drives you, even on the more challenging days.

"What I enjoy most about writing is that my fuel is creativity, reading, and research. How many people get to learn while earning a living? In return, as a writer, I get to educate others. It truly is an honor."

"The greatest thing about being a writer is the fact that I can work wherever I wish. I have created incredible sales campaigns from my living room, best-selling e-books from my local coffee shop, and compelling articles and blogs poolside, on vacation. There are very few careers that offer this type of flexibility and fulfillment, all at the same time."

14. Which writer has had the greatest influence on you, and why?

This question is meant to reveal who your greatest influences are, as a professional writer. Be prepared to discuss who you look up to as an inspiration in your writing and why this person has been so inspirational to your work. If you would like the interview to follow a more conversational tone, you can also ask the interviewer which writers are their favorite. You never know what you will learn by asking a question in return!

"Robert Frost is my biggest influence on the writing circuit because he can fill such a variety of deep meaning into just a few short lines. Then, the reader will interpret those words in their own special way. This method is one that takes years to master; however, I am a dedicated and determined writer."

"I am deeply inspired by a variety of poets and also copywriters. My range is vast! For poets, I would say that Maya Angelou's work has the most influence on me with the insight applied to every modern concept we broach. For copywriters, I greatly appreciate the work of Arman Assadi. I recently took his copywriting workshop, and it was incredible. I learned so much that I look forward to applying to this role with your company."

15. What three words would you use to describe yourself?

The interviewer would like to know more about your personality and, considering you are a writer, you should have some unique yet memorable words in mind, for your response. Think about some of the best qualities you possess when it comes to your character, personality and work ethic, ensuring your examples make you a good fit for the job. The qualities you mention should reveal something more profound about you than what may be evident from the interview, or on paper.

"I would describe myself as adaptable, contagious, and determined. I am adaptable in my writing and all other aspects of my life, taking on new challenges and topics even if I am not fully versed in them. I am a contagious personality, making friends and connections easily. I thrive on networking. Also, I am determined to succeed in all that I do and take that determination to boost my team."

"Ambitious, exuberant, and intuitive would be the words I would use to describe myself. I have a powerful desire to achieve my goals and be a success overall. I do not restrain myself when it comes to showing appreciation for my co-workers or a job at hand, which is why I have been called exuberant by previous employers. Lastly, I am talented when it comes to following leads and my gut, making me a highly intuitive individual."

16. Why do you want a career as a writer?

A writer is someone who writes articles, books, stories, and other relevant content for a living. The interviewer would like to know why you want to be a professional writer. Whether you are writing for a regular employer or you are freelancing, you should be ready to discuss why you are passionate about this career field and why your passions make you the best fit for this role.

"I have made a living through writing for some time now. I am creative, thoughtful, and expressive, making me very good when it comes to storytelling and communication. Writing makes me happy. I love the variety and the fact that it allows me to research interesting topics."

"From a very young age, I expressed an interest in creative writing. Earning a living as a writer has been a life-long goal. Writing allows me to be creative, meet incredible new people, learn interesting topics, all while getting paid to do what I love!"

17. Which style guides are you most familiar with?

When it comes to professional writing, there are two primary style guides: - AP Stylebook, based on standard English grammar, is followed and created by American journalists working for or connected to the Associated Press. - Chicago Manual of Style is widely used as well and offers opinions on comma use, different rules when it comes to italics, apostrophes, and much more. These style guides cover hundreds of points and often comes down to writer preference. Discuss with the interviewer which of these guides you are most familiar. Typically, AP style seems to win over Chicago style. Some argue that AP style has fewer rules than the Chicago stylebook. If you are not sure which method is preferred by the interviewing company, you can certainly ask.

"I tend to write more often in AP style; however, I am familiar with Chicago style as well. If you have a preference, I can easily adapt. I find that my choice depends on the client, the audience I am writing to, and the type of publication at hand."

"I have received training in the Chicago stylebook but fully understand how AP differs. Do you have a preference between these two popular stylebooks? I can move between the two, depending on the topic and goals of the project."

18. What do you do when your schedule or project plan is upset by unforeseen circumstances?

The interviewer would like to know that you respond professionally and proactively when faced with a change of plans. Your best response will include a time when your schedule changed, yet you continued to work toward your goal to make the deadline. Discuss how you communicated the circumstances with your team or client. Your ability to fix situations like this, professionally, is what should shine.

"I have experienced stressful times associated with technology crashes, such as computers shutting down and deleting my work. When this has happened, I take a deep breath, contact my IT support, and see what they can do. It's important that rather than having a mind-melt, I troubleshoot and assess. If an unforeseen issue pops up that will affect a client deadline, I will be sure to communicate this with my manager or the client directly, and create a plan to make up for lost time."

"I can think quickly on the job, and I do respond well to sudden change. That's part of being a creative person, in my opinion. Last week I was asked to tweak a client's presentation with just 30 minutes notice. The changes were significant, but luckily I work well under pressure. The presentation went well, and my clients were delighted."

19. How do you decipher a credible source from a non-credible source?

Sources are an essential topic in writing, and the interviewer wants to see that you have the ability to judge a reputable source from a random one. The way that you respond will determine how good your judgment is, as well as give the hiring authority an idea of the quality of content you put out. Discuss the crucial resources to which you regularly refer. You can also ask the interviewer where they turn for credible sources.

"When I need to decipher a credible source from a non-credible one, I will look at the type of publication first. If the source is a personal blog, I will take the time to dig deeper and find something from The New York Times or Business Insider, for instance. I am always open to finding new sources so, if there are any that you prefer to lean on, I would love to hear more."

"Using an uncredible source can have a very negative impact on one's article, publication, or blog post. It's important to take sources that are well known such as national media outlets, popular business websites, or industry influencers."

20. What are the most important things to know about a project before you start writing?

The way you respond to this question is what will determine for the interviewer if you are a fit for their organizational structure. If the company is very organized and rigid in project management, and you reply that you jump in without a plan, you will likely not be the best fit for them. A good writer knows that research and asking the right questions is always the best way to begin. Show the interviewer that you have the organizational skills required to do a fantastic job.

"Before I begin writing, I need to know to whom I am writing. When I have an idea who the target audience is, it helps me tremendously. I also like to know the publishing platforms. An article created for LinkedIn will not be the same tone as something I would publish on Medium so, for that reason, it's vital that I know where the words are going."

"At the start of each project, I ask who is the reader, where the work will be read, and what the goals are of the client. I will write differently if the goal is to close a sale versus to gain a click or a subscriber. I have a questionnaire that I begin with, before starting with each client, and this helps me a great deal."

21. What makes great content, and how do you know if it is performing well?

The interviewer wants to see that you understand what makes content great. Anyone can put words on a page, or publish an article online, but that does not make you a writer. It takes a real writer to make the content compelling and share-worthy. Discuss with the interviewer what you think makes your writing stand out from the rest.

"In a world where content is king, all written words should be keyword optimized, and written to drive clicks, boost page views, and to increase unique visitors. As a writer, I focus on putting out pieces of work that are engaging and fun to read."

"Great content will not only draw in the reader, but it will also engage them heavily while informing them. I know that I have read a good piece of content when I can easily repeat what I read, in my own words, to someone else. These factors are what make content share-worthy, and what can drive visitors to your blog, website, or store."

22. Are you willing work holidays and weekends, to meet important publication deadlines?

Writers are often subject to working a variety of hours and days based on the job at hand. Be prepared to discuss your availability to work late nights, early mornings, weekends, and holidays. While not all writing jobs require this kind of flexibility, be prepared with a well-crafted response. The interviewer wants to see that you are passionate about doing the job, regardless of the hours!

"I can work any hours required to get the job done. Writing is my biggest passion, and I am a dedicated employee, so if it requires working weekends or evenings to meet a deadline, I am willing to do it."

"Working holidays, weekends, evenings, or off-hours is something I can certainly accommodate from time to time. I do appreciate a healthy work-life balance so that I can keep my creativity at its peak; however, I know that there are often important deadlines and I would never quit for the day knowing my team still needs me."

23. Have you won any writers awards?

As a writer, there are numerous awards, contests, and competitions to which you can enter your work. Maybe you have been recognized for your work within your own organization, rather than being externally praised for your work. Think of any times that you have earned recognition for exceptional writing. It may feel strange, but it's okay to brag about yourself just a little bit here!

"I recently submitted a short story to the Imaginary Fiction Writers' Association and earned second place out of over 2,000 submissions. The story I submitted addressed essential issues related to gentrification but offered a comedic twist. I am very proud of this story and included it in my application to your agency."

"I was giving a significant bonus from my largest client after they stated that I was the most productive freelance writer they had on their team in the past five years. Although it was not an official award per se, it felt great to receive recognition for my hard work and talent."

24. What do you know about our organization?

Recruiters and hiring managers often receive hundreds of applications per job. If you are lucky enough to land an interview, make some effort to research the opportunity. You don't need to be an expert, but you do need to be knowledgeable about the company before your interview. Remember: as a writer you are also an efficient researcher! Start by searching the company website and take particular note of any recent news articles, events or contributions they have made to the community. Identify their mission and values. Be prepared to discuss what you know about the organization and why you believe your skills, passions, and interests are a match.

"I came across your website when I was seeking out resources for email campaigns and marketing ideas. I found the information incredibly helpful and high quality, which is why I initially contacted you regarding writing opportunities. The clients that I take on are ones who offer high-quality content, and your company is no exception. I know that you focus on quality information, helpful advice, and shareable content."

"Your agency is one of the most established in the area, quickly adapting to the changes that occur in the online marketing and content writing space. I love that you have reinvented your organization a couple of times and, seamlessly at that. I look forward to joining your team of creatives, and learning from your existing team."

25. What will you accomplish in the first 90 days of working here?

It's a good idea to have a 30, 60, and 90-day plan set out when you go into an interview. This approach is especially important when you are applying to a project based position where immediate action and results are expected. You can jot down a few ideas or create a slide presentation - whatever makes you most comfortable! You can discuss numbers, training achievements, pain points the interviewer has mentioned in the past, or how you plan to fit in with your new team.

"I would like to accomplish a few things in my first 90 days. After giving it some thought, I believe the best action I can take is to get to know each member of the marketing team whom I will be supporting. Some people like communication via phone, some in person, and others prefer a quick email. I plan to learn how everyone prefers to communicate. Next, you mentioned that there is a severe backlog on article topics. I would like to fix that for you, first thing."

"My first 90 days will be spent focused on organizing your blog post needs and then digging in. I understand that you have 500 different blog posts that need crafting, and I plan to contribute by knocking at least 100 of those out in the first 90 days. That would be a great accomplishment for me."

26. What has been your greatest accomplishment as a writer?

The interviewer would like to know which writing accomplishment you value the most. Talking about your most significant achievement will give the interviewer a definite idea of where you place your values. It will also show the interviewer more about your personality, how you like to be motivated, and how to coach you in the future. It is okay to brag a little bit when answering this question. Show that you are proud of yourself and your career accomplishments!

"My greatest accomplishment to date was writing a series of textbooks with a team. I am so proud of it because it took years to complete and we spent much time researching and making it the best we could. I learned a lot from working within a multi-disciplinary team of creatives as well."

"I have many accomplishments of which I am proud. Overall, I would say that my greatest work accomplishment is the positive reputation that I have in the writing industry. Writing is a difficult industry, with many professionals fighting to find their voice through a sea of unseasoned writers. I'm so proud to have carved a distinct career path for myself, despite those challenges."

27. Describe a difficult project and how you overcame it.

The interviewer would like for you to talk about a time when you had a particularly challenging job to complete. Perhaps it was a difficult topic that required a lot of research and understanding. Maybe the challenge was that the deadline was unusually tight. Or, it could be that the client was a problematic person with which to communicate. Discuss the situation and what you did to overcome the obstacles, delivering a stellar project. The goal with your response is to show the interviewer that you have the grit required to get through challenging projects.

"My most challenging project to date was writing a biography for a famous politician. It was hard to overcome bias and prior knowledge the public had about this person. However, I found that the more time I spent with the person, the more I was able to write in the way that he deserved to be portrayed. I took a creative approach and removed a lot of the political jargon, replacing it with stories and angles that the everyday person could appreciate."

"The most challenging project, hands down, was a 12,000-word e-book that needed completion in just three days. This deadline was very tight and included editing time as well. I wanted to take on the challenge to show myself that I have what it takes to work under pressure. I started by creating a schedule, committing to 6,000 words each day for two days, and then giving myself a full day for edits."

28. How do you handle the stress and pressure of tight deadlines?

Writers are often subject to immense pressure being required to write under a tight deadline or working under strict rules that are tough to follow. Discuss how you work under pressure, ensuring that you meet your client's needs at all times. Some ways to cope could be using a convenient project management system, slotting your writing hours, creating a solid outline before beginning, or having outside resources such as a researcher or editor at your disposal. Assure the interviewer that you are capable of managing the stress that comes with being an in-demand writer.

"I feel I do some of my best work under pressure; however, it is never ideal to be under the thumb of a tight deadline. To minimize potential stress, I will sub-contract an editor or use a researcher for articles or e-books that require a great amount of research. Leaning on the skills of others is something that writers find hard to do, but it is a life-saver when the pressure is on."

"Deadlines are par for the course when working as a writer. I am sure to use a few project management applications such as Trello and Wrike, to ensure that my work is always well organized. Half the stress of a job comes from feeling unprepared so, when I can nip those feelings in the bud, everything else seems to fall into place."

29. As a writer, what is your greatest weakness?

Pick weaknesses that are not a core skill for this position. You can be candid in your answer; recognizing that you aren't great at something and acknowledging your need to improve. Be sure to have an action plan in place for improving on this weakness. Perhaps you are watching TED talks to gain skills in a particular area, reading the latest-and-greatest book on the subject, or maybe you are taking a seminar from a well-known writer. We are all human with our weaknesses, so don't be afraid to share yours!

"My biggest weakness as a writer is that it takes me longer to get a project started than some would like. As a freelance writer, I won't take on rush jobs because I need to think about what I am going to write and create my plan of action, before beginning. For some clients, they do not mind this approach at all; however, I will recommend another writer in my network should my process not be a fit for a particular client."

"As a very busy writer, I believe my reluctance to edit long after my initial submission, would be my greatest weakness. As a creative, it is challenging to revisit a project long after it has gone to my client. With that said, I am a strong editor - it just isn't my favorite task."

30. As a writer, what is your greatest strength?

The interviewer would like to know which personal strengths make you an excellent writer. You should be ready to mention skills or qualities that make you stand out from the rest. In a work context, your strengths will help you to reach deadlines, understand the project scope, and help you to apply your research into compelling words. Talk to the interviewer about a couple of your strengths and why those will help you to be successful in this writing role. Some strengths you can mention include: - Interest in reading and learning - Robust vocabulary - Dedication to quality research - Fast recognition of reputable vs. unreputable resources - Innate curiosity on a wide variety of topics - Showing objectivity, honesty, and accuracy in your statements - Ability to see similarities, draw analogies, and have fresh thoughts - Solid memory and recall

"One strength that makes me a sought-after writer is my ability to take a complicated topic and make it easy for anyone to understand. I do this by drawing analogies and similarities to which the reader can quickly relate. When it comes to compelling content, the ability for the reader to easily relate to the topic is most important."

"My greatest strength as a writer is my ability to quickly decipher if a resource is reputable, honest, and accurate. It is essential to me that I write honest pieces that are helpful and provide correct information. In a world of 'fake news,' this couldn't be more important."

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Choose one of the answers generated by the response generator and enhance it by instructing the AI to write more. If you wish to add something manually, feel free to do so. 

Here’s how the tool appears, giving you all the information you need within seconds. 

What is the purpose of Scalenut’s free Answer a Question tool?

Whether you’re a content marketer or a writer, finding relevant answers for your target audience can be challenging, and writing 100s of answers in a day can be very exhausting. That’s where the ‘Answer a Question’ tool comes in handy. Its power-packed answer generator gives you options to pick from that you can edit and enhance with the help of AI or by yourself. 

As you can see in the above image, the result section has multiple answers generated within seconds based on the question entered by the user. 

What are the use cases of answers generated in the Answer a Question tool?

You can generate answers for Quora, blogs, or websites. Whatever your requirement may be, this response generator helps you find accurate answers. You can edit them for the platform you wish to use the answers for. With Answer a Question tool by your side, consider your work done.

What is the length of the question I can write in the tool?

You can write a question of up to 200 words in the tool. You can type a generic or more specific question, and the AI response generator will give you an output based on the question. However, it is not necessary to write a question of 200 words; you can also choose to write your question in a minimum of words.

As you can see in the above image, the maximum length for writing a question is specified as 200. 

What kind of questions can I write to start using the tool?

You can write questions regarding any topic on the tool, and the AI response generator will answer them for you in multiple ways. You can then pick the one that best suits your requirements.

As you can see in the above image, there are two examples mentioned to help you start using the tool. You can choose to write simple questions like ‘How to make tea’ or more complicated questions like ‘How does inflation happen.’ 

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"Why You Should Choose Scalenut For Your SEO. When generating reports it gives NLP terms, top ten competitors, outlines & citations from all the competitor's sites."

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Got any questions? We have the answers.

Yes, it’s free to access the Answer a Question tool on Scalenut.

Yes, they are free of plagiarism. The AI generator tool comprehends the question and gives relevant answers that are unique in their sentence formation.

Yes, the answers generated by the response generator are free of grammatical and spelling errors. The quality of the text you receive is very high.

Ask a question get an answer! It’s that quick. Be assured the tool will answer questions within 30 seconds of hitting the ‘generate’ button.

No, you don’t need to give any bank information before signing up for the free version.

Yes, the answer generator is designed to generate many answers at once. If you want to elaborate or edit the answers, you can instruct the AI to write further. 

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20 Script Writer Interview Questions and Answers to Help You Prepare

Common Script Writer interview questions, how to answer them, and sample answers from a certified career coach.

As a script writer, you know the importance of getting your story just right. But before you can tell someone else’s story on the page or screen, you have to make sure you’re telling yours correctly in an interview.

Preparing for an interview is key for any job seeker, and that holds true if you’re applying for a script writing position. To help get you ready, we’ve put together some common interview questions—and advice on how to answer them like a pro.

• What is your experience with writing scripts for television, film, or theater?
• Describe a time when you had to make significant changes to an existing script.
• How do you approach creating characters and developing their arcs throughout the story?
• Are you familiar with different types of screenwriting software?
• Explain how you use research to inform your writing process.
• Tell me about a time when you had to collaborate with other writers on a project.
• How do you handle feedback from producers or directors?
• What techniques do you use to ensure that dialogue sounds natural and believable?
• Do you have any experience working with improvisational actors?
• How do you create tension and suspense in a scene without relying on special effects?
• How do you develop stories that are both entertaining and meaningful?
• What strategies do you use to stay organized while writing multiple drafts of a script?
• How do you balance the need to be creative with the need to adhere to industry standards?
• How do you handle writer’s block?
• What do you think makes a great script?
• How do you keep track of all the details in a complex plot?
• How do you decide which scenes should be included in a script?
• How do you handle revisions requested by producers or directors?
• What do you think sets your scripts apart from others?
• What would you do if you were asked to write a script outside of your usual genre?

1. What is your experience with writing scripts for television, film, or theater?

This is a great chance for you to showcase your writing experience and explain how your skills can benefit the company. In addition to showcasing some of the projects you’ve worked on, you can also talk about how you develop characters, create plot points, and bring stories to life. This is a great opportunity to show the interviewer that you have the skills and experience necessary to be successful in this role.

How to Answer:

Start by talking about the scripts you’ve written in the past, whether it was for television, film, or theater. Explain how you developed characters and plot points, as well as any challenges you faced while writing your script. You can also talk about how you collaborated with other writers and directors to bring the story to life. Finally, explain what makes your writing stand out and why this would be beneficial for the company you’re interviewing with.

Example: “I have extensive experience writing scripts for television, film, and theater. I’ve written multiple original screenplays that have been optioned by production companies, as well as adapted novels into feature-length films. My writing style is focused on creating compelling characters and stories that draw viewers in and keep them engaged until the very end. I also take great care to ensure that my scripts are both visually interesting and emotionally resonant. I’m confident that my unique approach to scriptwriting will be a great asset to your team.”

2. Describe a time when you had to make significant changes to an existing script.

Script writing is often a collaborative process and the job often requires you to make changes to existing scripts. By asking this question, the interviewer is looking to see how well you handle feedback, how well you can take criticism, and how well you can work with others. They also want to know if you have the creative ability to make changes that improve a script without sacrificing its original intent.

Begin by describing the script you had to work on and the changes that were requested. Then talk about how you went about making those changes. Be sure to emphasize any creative solutions you used, such as changing dialogue or adding new characters to help move the story along. Finally, explain what the outcome was and how your changes improved the script.

Example: “When I’m making changes to an existing script, I always start by getting a clear understanding of the characters. Then I look at how their arcs fit into the overall story and consider what changes need to be made to make them more dynamic and compelling. For example, when I was working on a recent project, one of the main characters had become stagnant in her development. To fix this, I went back and added more backstory for her so that the audience would have a better understanding of her motivations and goals. This gave her arc more depth and complexity, which helped make the story much more engaging.”

3. How do you approach creating characters and developing their arcs throughout the story?

Creating an engaging story is all about creating characters that the audience can connect with and root for. An interviewer will want to know your process for creating characters that have depth and dimension. Do you start with a character’s backstory? Do you look at the overall plot and then fill in the characters? How do you make sure each character has an arc that is satisfying to the audience?

Be prepared to talk about your creative process for developing characters. Do you start with a character’s backstory? Do you look at the overall plot and then fill in the characters? Are there certain archetypes that you like to use when creating characters? How do you make sure each character has an arc that is satisfying to the audience? Talk about how you create characters that are dynamic and have depth, as well as how you ensure their arcs fit within the story.

Example: “When I’m creating characters, I like to start with their backstory and motivations. This helps me understand why they make the decisions they do throughout the story. I also pay close attention to how each character interacts with other characters in the story, as these interactions can often reveal unexpected layers of complexity. Finally, I create a detailed arc for each character so that the audience can follow their journey from beginning to end. This ensures that the characters are fully-developed and the story is satisfying.”

4. Are you familiar with different types of screenwriting software?

Script writing requires a lot of technical skill and knowledge. You need to know how to format scripts correctly, create scene breaks, and make sure the dialogue is formatted correctly. The interviewer is likely asking this question to get a sense of your technical proficiency as a writer. They want to know if you’re familiar with the software and tools used in the industry and if you’re comfortable using them.

The best way to answer this question is to be honest about your experience with different types of screenwriting software. If you’ve used a specific program, such as Final Draft or Celtx, mention that and explain what you like about it. If you haven’t used any software before, don’t worry! You can still show the interviewer that you’re eager to learn by mentioning that you’d be willing to take classes or do research on the most popular programs in the industry.

Example: “I’m familiar with the industry standard software, including Final Draft and Celtx. I’ve used both programs extensively in my past writing projects, so I’m comfortable navigating them and creating scripts according to the correct formatting standards. If there’s a specific program that your company uses, I’d be more than happy to learn it—I’m always eager to expand my knowledge of screenwriting software.”

5. Explain how you use research to inform your writing process.

Writing scripts requires a deep understanding of the characters, settings, and events that take place in the story. An interviewer will want to know that you are capable of using research to inform your writing process, such as understanding the historical context of the story, researching the latest trends in the industry, or gathering information on the target audience. This question helps the interviewer evaluate your ability to write a script that is both accurate and engaging.

To answer this question, you should explain your research process in detail. Talk about the different sources of information that you use to inform your writing such as books, interviews, online articles, and personal experience. You can also discuss how you use these sources to gain a better understanding of the characters, settings, and events in your script. Additionally, mention any other methods you use to stay up-to-date on industry trends or target audience preferences.

Example: “I always start my research process by reading up on the historical context of the script. I like to understand how the events in the story may have been influenced by the time period or location. Then, I read online articles and interviews related to the industry to stay informed about current trends. Finally, I talk to people who are familiar with the target audience to get a better sense of their preferences and interests. This helps me ensure that my writing is both accurate and engaging.”

6. Tell me about a time when you had to collaborate with other writers on a project.

Writing is a very solitary activity, but it’s also a collaborative one. Scriptwriters often need to work with other writers, producers, directors, and actors to create a successful project. This question allows the interviewer to get a sense of your ability to work well with others and to understand how you handle the different personalities and opinions you’ll encounter when collaborating on a project.

Start by talking about a project you worked on that required collaboration. Explain the roles of each team member and how you interacted with them to complete the project. Talk about any challenges you faced while working together, such as conflicting opinions or different writing styles. Finally, discuss what you learned from the experience and how it has helped you in your career.

Example: “I recently worked as a scriptwriter on an animated film that required collaboration with several other writers, producers, and actors. We had to work together to ensure the story was cohesive and that everyone’s creative vision was maintained. It was challenging at times because each writer had different ideas about how to approach certain scenes or characters, but we were able to come up with compromises that satisfied everyone. I learned the importance of being flexible and open-minded when working in a collaborative environment, which has been invaluable in my career.”

7. How do you handle feedback from producers or directors?

Writing for television, film, or theater is a collaborative process. You’ll often have to work with producers, directors, and other creative staff to come up with stories that work for the medium. This question shows the interviewer that you’re open to feedback and can adjust your writing to fit the needs of the project. It also shows that you’re a team player who knows how to work with others.

Talk about how you’ve handled feedback in the past. Did you take notes and make changes? Did you discuss your ideas with the director or producer to come up with a better solution? Talk about what techniques you use to make sure that everyone is on the same page. Show that you can be flexible, but also know when to stand your ground if you feel strongly about something.

Example: “I’ve worked with directors and producers in both television and film, so I know how important it is to be open to feedback. When I get notes from a director or producer, I always take them seriously and consider them carefully. If I disagree with something, I’m not afraid to have a discussion about it and explain why I think my idea might work better. Ultimately, however, I understand that the writer is part of a larger team and need to make sure that our vision aligns before moving forward.”

8. What techniques do you use to ensure that dialogue sounds natural and believable?

Writing believable dialogue is a critical part of script writing. Interviewers want to know that you are aware of the techniques and strategies used to make dialogue sound natural and believable. This question allows you to demonstrate your knowledge and understanding of the craft, as well as your ability to create meaningful and realistic conversations.

To answer this question, you should discuss your process for writing believable dialogue. Talk about how you use techniques such as active listening and research to ensure that the conversations sound natural. You can also mention any strategies you use to make sure that characters are distinct from one another, like having each character speak in their own unique voice or using different levels of formality depending on the situation. Additionally, explain how you use language to convey emotion and create tension between characters.

Example: “When it comes to writing believable dialogue, I always start by actively listening to conversations around me. I pay attention to the words people use, the way they phrase things, and the types of expressions they use. I also make sure to do research into the setting and characters, so that I can make sure the dialogue reflects their backgrounds and personalities. I like to use language to create tension between characters and to convey different emotions. I also make sure to give each character their own distinct voice, so that it’s clear who is speaking. By using these techniques, I can create dialogue that sounds natural and believable.”

9. Do you have any experience working with improvisational actors?

Improv is a popular form of comedy and drama, and it’s a skill set that can be very helpful to have on any set. It allows actors to take your script and really make it their own. Interviewers want to know if you can handle the unexpected, and if you have the experience and ability to work with creative actors in a productive way.

If you have experience working with improvisational actors, talk about how it has helped you hone your writing skills and develop a better understanding of the creative process. Talk about any successes you’ve had in this area and explain why you think improv is important to script writing. If you don’t have direct experience, discuss why you would be interested in learning more and how you could use that knowledge to improve your craft.

Example: “I have a lot of experience working with improvisational actors, both in the theater and on set. Working with actors who can think and react quickly has helped me hone my writing skills, as I have to anticipate what they might say or do and write accordingly. It has also taught me to be more flexible and open to new ideas, which I think is key to successful script writing. I’m always looking for new ways to challenge myself and I believe that improv can be a great tool to help me grow as a writer.”

10. How do you create tension and suspense in a scene without relying on special effects?

Writing for the screen is about more than just the words on the page—it’s about creating tension and suspense that keeps viewers hooked. Special effects are a great way to do this, but they’re also expensive. Interviewers want to know you can create suspense and tension without relying on them. How do you do that? Do you use dialogue, music, or clever editing to create the right atmosphere?

Talk about how you use dialogue, music, and editing to create tension and suspense. For example, you can talk about how you use silence in a scene to build anticipation or how you use the music to heighten emotions. You can also discuss your approach to writing scenes that have no special effects but still leave viewers on the edge of their seats. Finally, explain how you work with directors and editors to ensure your vision comes across on screen.

Example: “I believe that tension and suspense can be created without relying on special effects, and I strive to do so in all my writing. I use dialogue to create tension between characters, and I use music to heighten emotions. I also rely on clever editing to create suspense in a scene. I work closely with directors and editors to ensure that the vision I have for the scene comes across on screen. I believe that with the right combination of dialogue, music, and editing, I can create tension and suspense without relying on special effects.”

11. How do you develop stories that are both entertaining and meaningful?

Writing a script is a job that requires a lot of creativity and skill. The interviewer wants to know how you approach the task of creating a story that is both interesting and meaningful. They want to know how you develop characters and plot points that will keep the audience engaged, as well as how you craft a story that will leave a lasting impression.

Start by talking about how you come up with ideas for stories. Do you draw inspiration from real-life events or experiences? How do you research and develop characters that are both interesting and relatable? Then, discuss how you craft the story to ensure it is entertaining and meaningful. Talk about how you use symbolism or foreshadowing to add depth to your story. Finally, explain how you use dialogue and other elements to create a compelling script.

Example: “I start by researching and gathering ideas for my stories. I look at real-life events and experiences, as well as draw inspiration from books and movies. I use this research to develop characters and plot points that are both interesting and relatable to the audience. I then craft the story to ensure it is both entertaining and meaningful by adding symbolism, foreshadowing, and other elements to create an engaging script. I also focus on creating interesting dialogue and relationships between characters to further engage the audience and leave a lasting impression.”

12. What strategies do you use to stay organized while writing multiple drafts of a script?

Script writing is an incredibly detail-oriented job, and it can be easy to get lost in the midst of multiple drafts and notes. Being organized enough to stay on top of all the details is an essential skill for a scriptwriter. By asking this question, the interviewer is looking to understand how you manage the process of writing and revising scripts.

The best way to answer this question is to provide specific examples of how you stay organized while writing. Do you use a spreadsheet to track drafts and notes? Do you have a system for labeling documents so that you can easily find them later? Are there certain tools or apps that help you keep everything in order? Talk through your process step-by-step, and explain why it works well for you. Additionally, make sure to emphasize any flexibility you have—being able to adjust your approach depending on the project is an important skill for scriptwriters.

Example: “I use a combination of tools to stay organized while writing scripts. I keep a master spreadsheet of all my projects, with columns for notes, drafts, and deadlines. I also use a folder system on my computer to keep track of documents, and I use different labels for different drafts so that I can easily find them if I need to go back and reference something. Additionally, I use tools like Evernote and Trello to help me keep track of ideas and notes. I find that this system works well for me, as I’m able to quickly and easily find what I need, but I’m also flexible enough to adjust my approach depending on the project and my own process.”

13. How do you balance the need to be creative with the need to adhere to industry standards?

Writing for film and television requires a special combination of creative storytelling and technical accuracy. This question is designed to show if you can understand the difference between the two and how to walk that line. It’s also a good way to gauge how well you collaborate with other writers, directors, and producers.

You should be prepared to talk about how you’ve worked with other members of the production team in the past. Talk about how you collaborate and communicate your ideas, while still being open to feedback from others. You can also discuss any methods or processes that you use to ensure accuracy and creativity are balanced in your scripts. Finally, emphasize the importance of research and staying up-to-date on industry standards so that you can write well-informed stories.

Example: “I believe that the best way to find the balance between creativity and industry standards is through collaboration. My approach is to work closely with the director and other writers to ensure that my scripts are both creative and accurate. I also make sure to do extensive research so that I can stay current on the latest industry standards. Additionally, I always welcome feedback from other members of the production team, and I’m open to changing my scripts accordingly. Ultimately, I strive to create stories that are both creative and technically sound.”

14. How do you handle writer’s block?

Writing can be a laborious task, and writer’s block can be a major obstacle. Interviewers want to know that you have strategies and techniques to handle periods of writer’s block and are able to push through and produce quality work even when faced with obstacles. This question is a great opportunity to show how you tackle difficult tasks, manage your time, and stay creative.

You can start by describing your current strategies for dealing with writer’s block. Do you take a break and come back to it later? Talk to someone else in the field? Take a walk or listen to music? Whatever your strategy is, make sure to explain how it helps you get through the tough times and produce quality work. You can also discuss how you stay motivated and inspired when writing, such as reading books and articles about the craft, attending workshops, and participating in writing groups.

Example: “When I’m feeling stuck, I take a break and come back to it later. I find that stepping away from the project and taking a break helps me to clear my mind and come back to it with a fresh perspective. I also like to read books and articles about the craft of writing and participate in writing groups with other writers. I find that talking to other writers gives me a new perspective and renews my enthusiasm for the project. Additionally, I like to take walks and listen to music—which helps me to stay creative and inspired.”

15. What do you think makes a great script?

Script writing requires a high level of creativity and storytelling ability. This question allows the interviewer to gauge your knowledge of the craft and determine if you have the necessary skills for the job. They’re looking for an answer that shows you understand the value of good dialogue, plot structure, and character arcs.

Start by talking about the importance of a strong premise and how it can provide structure for the rest of the script. Then, discuss the need to develop characters that have unique personalities and motivations. Talk about the importance of building tension through dialogue and plot twists. Finally, emphasize the importance of creating an ending that ties up loose ends but still leaves room for interpretation.

Example: “I believe that great scripts have a strong premise that provides the foundation for the story and characters. It’s important to have characters that are developed and have unique personalities. Dialogue should be well-written and build tension throughout the script. Plot twists should be used to keep the audience engaged and the ending should be satisfying and leave room for interpretation.”

16. How do you keep track of all the details in a complex plot?

Writing a script involves more than just a few conversations and action scenes. It requires keeping track of characters, plot points, and other details. An interviewer wants to know that you’re organized enough to remember all the details you’re writing about and to be able to keep them straight. They also want to know that you have the ability to craft a story that has a beginning, middle, and end without getting lost in the details.

Talk about the methods you use to keep track of all the details in a complex plot. Some writers like to make detailed outlines, while others prefer to create character profiles and timelines. You can also discuss any organizational tools you use, such as spreadsheets or storyboarding software. Finally, talk about how you ensure that each scene is connected to the overall narrative arc. This will show the interviewer that you’re able to craft an engaging story from beginning to end without getting lost in the details.

Example: “I like to use a combination of methods to keep track of all the details in a complex plot. I usually start by creating an outline for the entire script, including an overview of the characters, plot points, and timelines. I also like to create detailed character profiles, as well as a timeline that maps out each scene and how it fits into the overall narrative arc. Additionally, I use spreadsheets and storyboarding software to keep track of all the details. With these tools and processes in place, I’m able to craft an engaging story from beginning to end without losing sight of any of the details.”

17. How do you decide which scenes should be included in a script?

Writing a script requires a lot of creative decision-making. Interviewers will want to know if you’re able to come up with creative solutions that serve the story and make sense for the characters. They’ll also want to know if you’re able to determine which scenes are necessary and which ones can be cut or altered.

To answer this question, you should provide examples of how you’ve made decisions in the past. Talk about how you go through a script and decide which scenes are necessary to tell the story. Explain how you use your creativity to come up with new ideas or solutions to problems that arise when writing a script. You can also talk about how you collaborate with other writers or directors on set to ensure the best possible outcome for the script.

Example: “When I’m writing a script, I focus on the main story arc and how each scene can move the story forward. I try to ensure that each scene has a purpose and serves the overall narrative. I also look for ways to make the script more engaging by adding humor, tension, or suspense. I’m always open to feedback and collaboration with other writers or directors and I’m not afraid to make changes if they improve the story. I think it’s important to be flexible and willing to make changes if they serve the story better.”

18. How do you handle revisions requested by producers or directors?

Writing for television or film is a collaborative process, and it’s likely that you’ll be asked to make changes to your scripts. This question is an opportunity to demonstrate your flexibility and willingness to work with other people’s ideas. It also gives interviewers insight into your ability to take feedback and incorporate it into your writing.

The best way to answer this question is to show that you are open to feedback and willing to make adjustments to your work. Talk about how you approach revisions in a positive light, emphasizing that you take the requested changes seriously and strive to incorporate them into your writing. You can also mention any strategies you have for dealing with difficult or challenging requests, such as asking questions or seeking clarification from producers or directors on what they’re looking for.

Example: “I approach revisions as an opportunity to make the script even better. I always take the requested changes seriously and strive to incorporate them into my writing in a way that honors the original intent of the script. I also make sure to ask questions and seek clarification from producers or directors if I’m not sure how to approach a particular revision. I’ve found that this open dialogue helps me to better understand what they’re looking for and allows me to make the changes they’re seeking while still maintaining the integrity of the script.”

19. What do you think sets your scripts apart from others?

A script writer is expected to have a unique voice and perspective, and the interviewer wants to know that you can bring that to the table. This is a great chance for you to explain your creative process and the techniques you use to craft a compelling story. It can also be a good opportunity to explain how you incorporate feedback into your work and how you’ve worked with directors and producers to bring a script to life.

To answer this question, you should be prepared to discuss your writing style and the themes that often appear in your work. Be sure to talk about the research you do before beginning a script and how you draw inspiration from other scripts or stories. You can also mention any awards you’ve won for your work, or any recognition you’ve received from peers or industry professionals. Finally, don’t forget to mention any special techniques you use to craft an engaging story.

Example: “I think the thing that sets my scripts apart from others is my ability to draw on my own life experiences and combine them with themes from literature and film. I like to explore complex characters and situations, and I always strive to create stories that are both emotionally engaging and thought-provoking. I also pay close attention to the feedback I receive and I’m always open to collaboration with directors and producers to ensure that the story is being accurately and effectively told. I think my combination of research, storytelling, and collaboration has helped me craft some truly unique and award-winning scripts.”

20. What would you do if you were asked to write a script outside of your usual genre?

Writing a script is more than just knowing the technical aspects of the craft. It requires the ability to think outside the box and be creative with the material you’re given. When interviewers ask this question, they’re trying to gauge your ability to think on your feet and come up with creative solutions to problems. They want to know that you’re capable of adapting to any situation and that you’re willing to take on new challenges.

Start by talking about your experience with other genres and how you’ve adapted to them. Talk about any research or preparation you do before taking on a new project, such as reading books or watching films in the genre. Explain how you use this research to inform your writing process and create something unique. Finally, mention that you are always open to learning new things and pushing yourself out of your comfort zone, which is essential for any writer.

Example: “I have experience writing in a variety of genres, from romantic comedies to horror films. Before I start writing, I like to do some research to get a better understanding of the genre I’m working in. I read books, watch movies, and talk to people who are familiar with the genre to get a better sense of the tone and style that I should be aiming for. I also like to draw on my own experiences and unique perspective to create something unique. I’m always open to new challenges and pushing myself outside of my comfort zone, which is essential for any writer.”

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101 Imaginative And Fun Author Interview Questions

You’re ready to interview an author for your blog.

Or maybe you’ve started a podcast and are wondering how to interview an author for it? 

We’re here to help — both with preparing for the interview and with making your list of author interview questions. 

As authors with an insatiable appetite for authentic stories, we created this post to answer the question, “What are good questions to ask an author about a book?”

There are loads of questions you could ask.

But these will make the interview more enjoyable for you and your guests. 

For authors, these questions can help prepare you for interviews and know what to expect when you’re called on to talk about your work.

How Do You Prepare for an Author Interview? 

Best author interview questions, author interview questions about their book, fun author interview questions, questions about writing, questions to ask authors about other books and authors, personal questions for authors.

Preparing for an author interview requires more than a list of good questions to ask an author. Both of you need to be in the right frame of mind. 

But since you’ll be the one conducting the interview — and the author is offering their time and answers for your readers’ or listener’s entertainment — it’s on you to make sure this interview is a positive experience for your guest. 

To that end, keep the following tips in mind:

• Know your audience (just as important for interviewers as it is for authors). 
• Ask open-ended (not YES or NO) questions.
• Make the author the star of the interview.
• Prepare questions that will pique your audience’s curiosity. 
• Keep your audience engaged by inviting them to ask questions.
• Be punctual and respect the author’s time. 

The better prepared you are for each author interview, the more likely your readers or listeners are to keep coming back for more. 

101 Author Interview Questions 

You need a list of good questions to ask a writer, and we aim to make your job easier.

The questions below are divided into popular categories, so you can choose the types of questions most interesting to your audience.

1. At what point do you think someone should call themselves a writer?

2. What difference do you see between a writer and an author?

3. Have you ever considered writing under a pseudonym , and why or why not?

4. What do the words “writer’s block” mean to you? 

5. How do you process and deal with negative book reviews? 

6. Are there therapeutic benefits to modeling a character after someone you know?

7. What is the most difficult part of your writing process? 

8. How long have you been writing or when did you start? 

9. What advice would you give to a writer working on their first book?

10. What, to you, are the most important elements of good writing ?

11. What comes first for you — the plot or the characters — and why?

12. How do you develop your plot and characters? 

13. When did you first call yourself a writer? 

14. How do you use social media as an author? 

15. What’s your favorite and least favorite part of publishing? 

16. What would you say to an author who wanted to design their own cover?

1. How many books have you written and which is your favorite?

2. What part of the book did you have the hardest time writing?

3. What part of the book was the most fun to write?

4. Which of the characters do you relate to the most and why?

5. If you’re planning a sequel, can you share a tiny bit about your plans for it?

6. What is a significant way your book has changed since the first draft? 

7. What perspectives or beliefs have you challenged with this work?

8. What inspired the idea for your book?

9. How would you describe your book’s ideal reader?

10. How much research did you need to do for your book? 

11. How important was professional editing to your book’s development?

12. What was your hardest scene to write , and why?

13. What characters in your book are most similar to you or to people you know?

14. How long did it take you to write this book ? 

15. How did you come up with the title for your book ?

16. Would you and your main character get along? 

17. If you could meet your characters, what would you say to them?

1. What is your writing process like? Are you more of a plotter or a pantser?

2. What do you need in your writing space to help you stay focused? 

3. If you were to write a spin-off about a side character, which would you pick?

4. If you could spend a day with another popular author, whom would you choose?

5. What is your schedule like when you’re writing a book?

6. Have you ever traveled as research for your book? 

7. What’s your favorite writing snack or drink?

8. How do you celebrate when you finish your book? 

9. What do you think of NaNoWriMo? Worth it? 

10. What is your kryptonite as a writer?

11. What risks have you taken with your writing that have paid off?

12. When was the last time you Googled yourself and what did you find?

13. Which of your characters are most likely to be an activist, and what kind?

14. Do you play music while you write — and, if so, what’s your favorite?

15. Have pets ever gotten in the way of your writing? 

16. If your book were made into a movie, which actors would play your characters? 

17. Have you ever killed off a character your readers loved? 

More Related Articles:

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1. What is the most valuable piece of advice you’ve been given about writing?

2. What do you think is the best way to improve writing skills?

3. What advice would you give to help others create plotlines?

4. What has helped or hindered you most when writing a book? 

5. Does writing energize or exhaust you? Or both? 

6. What is the best money you’ve ever spent with regard to your writing?

7. What are common traps for new authors? 

8. How many hours a day do you write?

9. What are your favorite blogs or websites for writers? 

10. At what time of the day do you do most of your writing?

11. What’s your writing software of choice? 

12. How do you come up with character names for your stories?

13. Do you participate in writing challenges on social media? Do you recommend any?

14. When you’re writing an emotional or difficult scene, how do you set the mood?

15. Whom do you trust for objective and constructive criticism of your work?

16. What are the essential characteristics of a hero you can root for? 

17. What do you do to get inside your character’s heads? 

1. What books do you enjoy reading?

2. Are there any books or authors that inspired you to become a writer?

3. What books helped you the most when you were writing your (first) book?

4. What books did you grow up reading?

5. What authors did you dislike at first but then develop an appreciation for?

6. Name an underappreciated novel that you love.

7. Has any hugely popular novel left you thinking you could write it better?

8. Have you ever tried to write a novel for a genre you rarely or never read? 

9. What book (or books) are you currently reading? 

10. If you could be mentored by a famous author, who would it be? 

11. Do you prefer ebooks, printed books, or audiobooks most of the time?

12. What are your favorite series or series authors?

13. Have you listened to any audiobooks? Which did you enjoy the most?

14. If you could be a character in one of your favorite books, who would you be?

15. What author in your genre do you most admire, and why?

16. Have you used an app to borrow ebooks or audiobooks from the library?

17. What books have you read more than once in your life? 

1. Has writing and publishing a book changed the way you see yourself? 

2. Is there a particular genre you would love to write but only under a pseudonym?

3. Do you see writing as a kind of spiritual or therapeutic practice? 

4. As a writer, what would you choose as your spirit animal? 

5. What spiritual or therapeutic practices help you get into the right headspace? 

6. At what stage (or stages) of your life have you done most of your writing? 

7. What’s the trickiest thing about writing characters of the opposite gender?

8. What do the words “literary success” mean to you? How do you picture it?

9. If you didn’t write for a living, what would you probably do for work?

10. Would anyone in your family disapprove of anything you’ve written?

11. Does anyone in your family read your books? 

12. Who has been the biggest supporter of your writing? 

13. Do you have other writers in the family? 

14. If you could invite any three people for dinner, whom would you invite? 

15. Would you share something about yourself that your readers don’t know (yet)?

16. If you had to describe yourself in just three words, what would those be?

17. If you had the power to cure a disease of your choosing, what would it be? 

Are you ready for your next author interview?

Now that you know how to interview an author, which authors do you have in mind? And which of the author interview questions in this post stood out enough to make you want to add them to your own interview list? 

Your questions don’t have to sound original. It’s more important to ask questions your readers or listeners want the answers to. 

And as much as possible, give them a reason to check out the author’s books. 

That’s the beauty of author interviews. Done right, they make the authors you’re interviewing more interesting and relatable to your audience. 

May every author you interview be glad you did. 

25 Screenwriter Interview Questions and Answers

Learn what skills and qualities interviewers are looking for from a screenwriter, what questions you can expect, and how you should go about answering them.

Screenwriters are responsible for writing the dialogue, story, and action that make up a movie, TV show, or commercial. They work with directors, producers, and actors to bring their vision to the screen.

If you’re looking to become a screenwriter, you’ll need to be able to answer questions about your writing process, your favorite movies, and your understanding of the industry. In this guide, we’ll provide you with sample questions and answers that will help you prepare for your next interview.

• Are you familiar with the Screenwriters Guild?
• What are some of your favorite movies and television shows?
• How would you describe your writing style?
• What is your favorite movie that you’ve written?
• Provide an example of a time when you had to collaborate with others on a script.
• If you could write for any character or franchise, who would it be?
• What would you say is your greatest strength as a screenwriter?
• How well do you know the formatting requirements for scripts?
• Do you have experience working with actors on set to improve dialogue?
• When writing a story, how do you decide which scenes to include and which to leave out?
• We want to make sure our scripts appeal to a wide audience. How would you describe our target audience?
• Describe your process for developing a character and their motivations.
• What makes you stand out from other screenwriters?
• Which screenwriters do you admire and why?
• What do you think is the most important aspect of script editing?
• How often do you think a script should be updated to reflect changes in society or technology?
• There is a scene in your script that the director doesn’t like. How do you handle it?
• How do you approach writing a dialogue between two characters?
• What’s your favorite genre to write for and why?
• Do you have any experience with pitching scripts to producers or studios?
• What techniques do you use to make sure the script is consistent throughout its various drafts?
• Describe how you would create tension in a scene.
• Are there any particular topics that you like to explore when writing stories?
• Have you ever faced writer’s block while working on a project? If so, how did you handle it?
• What tips can you give us about developing interesting plot twists and surprises?

1. Are you familiar with the Screenwriters Guild?

The Screenwriters Guild is a union that represents screenwriters in the entertainment industry. Employers ask this question to see if you are familiar with the guild and its policies, as they want to hire someone who will be able to work within their guidelines. In your answer, explain what the guild does and why it’s important for writers to join.

Example: “Yes, I am familiar with the Screenwriters Guild. As a professional screenwriter, I have been an active member of the organization for several years. The guild has provided me with invaluable resources and support throughout my career. From networking events to educational workshops, I have taken advantage of all that the guild offers in order to stay up-to-date on industry trends and hone my craft. I also attend regular meetings to ensure that I’m aware of any changes or updates to the rules and regulations governing the profession. My membership in the guild is just one example of how committed I am to staying current in the field of screenwriting.”

2. What are some of your favorite movies and television shows?

This question can help the interviewer get to know you better and understand your writing style. It also helps them determine if your writing style is similar to that of the company’s brand. When answering this question, try to choose a few movies or shows that are relevant to the position you’re applying for.

Example: “My favorite movies and television shows are those that have a compelling story, interesting characters, and creative visuals. I’m particularly drawn to films like The Godfather, which tell an epic narrative with complex characters and stunning cinematography. On the TV side, I love shows like Breaking Bad and Game of Thrones for their intricate plotlines and captivating performances. These stories inspire me as a screenwriter because they demonstrate how powerful storytelling can be when done right. I strive to create stories that will leave audiences just as enthralled as these beloved classics.”

3. How would you describe your writing style?

Screenwriters often have to write in a variety of styles, including comedy and drama. Employers ask this question to see if you can adapt your writing style to fit the needs of their project. In your answer, explain what genres you’re familiar with and how you would approach each one.

Example: “My writing style is focused on creating engaging stories that draw the audience in. I strive to create characters and storylines that are interesting, complex, and relatable. My scripts often feature unexpected plot twists and surprises, as well as moments of humor and poignancy.

I’m also very detail-oriented when it comes to my writing. I take great care to ensure that all elements of a story come together seamlessly, from character arcs to dialogue to pacing. I’m always looking for ways to make sure each scene has maximum impact and that the overall narrative flows smoothly.”

4. What is your favorite movie that you’ve written?

This question is a great way to see how much you enjoy your work. It also shows the interviewer what kind of movies you like and whether they are similar to the ones that the company produces. When answering this question, pick one movie that you’re proud of and explain why it’s your favorite.

Example: “My favorite movie that I’ve written is a romantic comedy called “The Lovebirds.” It follows the story of two people who have been friends since childhood, but their relationship takes an unexpected turn when they realize they are in love with each other. The script was challenging to write because it had to capture both the comedic and dramatic elements of the story. I enjoyed writing this script because it allowed me to explore different ways of expressing emotions through dialogue and action.

I believe my experience writing “The Lovebirds” makes me well-suited for the Screenwriter position at your company. Not only do I understand how to craft a compelling story, but I also know how to balance the lighthearted moments with the more serious ones. My goal is always to create engaging stories that will keep audiences entertained and emotionally invested.”

5. Provide an example of a time when you had to collaborate with others on a script.

Screenwriters often work with other professionals, such as producers and directors. Employers ask this question to learn more about your teamwork skills. In your answer, explain how you worked with others on a script. Explain what challenges you faced while collaborating with these individuals.

Example: “I have had the opportunity to collaborate with others on a script multiple times throughout my career. One example that stands out is when I was working on a feature-length screenplay for an independent film. I worked closely with the director and producer to ensure that the story we were creating was in line with their vision. We held several meetings where we discussed our ideas, exchanged feedback, and brainstormed solutions.

The collaboration process was incredibly rewarding because it allowed us to bring together different perspectives and create something unique. Through this experience, I learned how to effectively communicate with team members, listen to their input, and incorporate their ideas into the script. This enabled us to create a compelling narrative that resonated with audiences. Furthermore, I developed strong problem solving skills which helped me address any issues that arose during the writing process.”

6. If you could write for any character or franchise, who would it be?

Screenwriters often have the opportunity to write for characters they’re passionate about. This question helps employers learn more about your interests and whether you would be a good fit for their company. When answering this question, try to think of a character or franchise that’s relevant to the job description. If you can connect your answer to the company’s current projects, even better.

Example: “If I could write for any character or franchise, it would be a superhero. Superheroes are iconic characters that have been around for decades and continue to capture the imaginations of audiences all over the world. They represent strength, courage, and justice in a way that resonates with people from all walks of life. It would be an honor to create stories that bring these beloved characters to life on the big screen.

I believe my experience as a Screenwriter makes me well-suited for this task. My portfolio includes scripts for both feature films and television shows, so I am familiar with how to craft compelling narratives within different formats. I also have a deep understanding of story structure, character development, and dialogue that will help me create engaging stories for superheroes. Finally, I’m passionate about creating meaningful stories that can inspire viewers and make them think differently about the world around them.”

7. What would you say is your greatest strength as a screenwriter?

This question is an opportunity to highlight your skills and abilities as a screenwriter. Consider what you are most passionate about in the role, such as creating compelling characters or developing interesting storylines.

Example: “My greatest strength as a screenwriter is my ability to craft compelling stories that draw an audience in and keep them engaged. I have a knack for creating characters that are relatable, multi-dimensional, and memorable. My scripts also feature strong plotlines with unexpected twists and turns that keep viewers guessing until the very end.

I’m also highly organized and detail-oriented when it comes to writing. I take great care to ensure that each scene flows seamlessly into the next, while still maintaining the overall arc of the story. I’m also able to work quickly and efficiently under tight deadlines, which makes me an ideal candidate for any project.”

8. How well do you know the formatting requirements for scripts?

Screenwriters need to know how to format scripts correctly so that they can be read by the production team. This question helps employers determine whether you have experience with formatting and if you are familiar with industry standards. In your answer, share what you know about script formatting and explain any additional software or programs you use to help you write screenplays.

Example: “I have a great deal of experience with script formatting. I understand the importance of following industry standards and guidelines to ensure that scripts are easy to read and follow. I am familiar with the standard screenplay format, including margins, font size, character spacing, and indentation. I also know how to use software such as Final Draft and Celtx to properly format my scripts.

In addition, I keep up-to-date on any changes in the industry regarding script formatting. I attend workshops and seminars related to screenwriting and stay informed about new developments in the field. This helps me to make sure that all of my scripts meet the highest possible standards.”

9. Do you have experience working with actors on set to improve dialogue?

Screenwriters often work with actors to improve dialogue and ensure the script is easy to read. This question helps employers understand your experience working with others on set and how you can contribute to their production team. Use examples from past experiences where you worked with actors or other crew members to make changes to a script.

Example: “Yes, I do have experience working with actors on set to improve dialogue. During my time as a screenwriter, I’ve had the opportunity to collaborate directly with actors and directors in order to ensure that the script is being interpreted accurately and effectively. This includes providing feedback on their delivery of lines, suggesting alternative phrasing or word choices, and helping them understand the motivations behind each character’s dialogue. I’m also comfortable making adjustments to the script during filming if necessary, such as cutting out unnecessary lines or adding new ones to better suit the scene.”

10. When writing a story, how do you decide which scenes to include and which to leave out?

Screenwriters must be able to decide which scenes are most important and how they should be presented. This question helps the interviewer determine your ability to make these decisions. Use examples from past projects to explain how you made this decision.

Example: “When writing a story, I always start by outlining the main plot points and then breaking them down into individual scenes. From there, I decide which scenes are necessary to move the story forward and which can be left out without compromising the overall narrative arc. My goal is to create an engaging story that keeps readers hooked from beginning to end, so I make sure each scene serves a purpose and contributes to the overall story. I also consider how much time each scene will take up in the final product, as well as its impact on the pacing of the film or television show. Finally, I strive to include only those scenes that are essential to the story and leave out any extraneous details that could potentially distract viewers from the main plot.”

11. We want to make sure our scripts appeal to a wide audience. How would you describe our target audience?

Screenwriters need to understand their audience in order to write a script that appeals to them. This question helps the interviewer determine if you have experience writing for different audiences and how you would do so effectively. In your answer, describe what makes up the target audience of the company or project you’re interviewing for.

Example: “When it comes to appealing to a wide audience, I believe that the key is understanding what makes them tick. My approach would be to research and analyze our target audience’s demographics, interests, values, and beliefs in order to create scripts that are tailored to their needs. By doing this, we can ensure that our scripts will resonate with our viewers and keep them engaged.

I also think it’s important to stay up-to-date on current trends in entertainment and media consumption so that our scripts remain relevant and timely. This includes monitoring social media conversations and staying abreast of the latest news and developments in the industry. Doing this will help us craft stories that speak directly to our target audience and make sure they’re always entertained.”

12. Describe your process for developing a character and their motivations.

Screenwriters must create characters that audiences can relate to and empathize with. This helps them connect with the story and makes it more interesting. Employers ask this question to make sure you have experience developing compelling characters. In your answer, explain how you would go about creating a character’s backstory and motivations. Explain what steps you would take to ensure they are relatable and realistic.

Example: “My process for developing a character and their motivations begins with understanding the story I’m trying to tell. Once I have a clear idea of the overall plot, I start to think about who my characters are and what drives them. To do this, I like to ask myself questions such as: What is the character’s background? How does their past shape their present decisions? What are their goals and ambitions?

From there, I create an in-depth profile for each character that includes details such as age, occupation, family dynamics, and any other relevant information. This helps me to understand how they would act in certain situations and why they make certain choices. Finally, I use all of this information to write dialogue and scenes that bring out the character’s motivations and help move the story forward.”

13. What makes you stand out from other screenwriters?

Screenwriters often have to write scripts that are unique and engaging. Employers ask this question to see if you can demonstrate your creativity and passion for writing. In your answer, share a specific skill or experience that makes you unique as a writer. You might also mention any awards or accolades you’ve received in the past.

Example: “I believe my experience and skill set make me stand out from other screenwriters. I have a proven track record of success in the industry, having written several award-winning scripts for both film and television. My writing style is unique and engaging, with an emphasis on character development and story structure.

In addition to my creative abilities, I am also highly organized and detail-oriented. I understand the importance of deadlines and budget constraints, and I’m able to work quickly and efficiently while still producing high quality results. I’m also experienced in working collaboratively with directors, producers, actors, and other crew members to ensure that the script meets all expectations.”

14. Which screenwriters do you admire and why?

This question can give the interviewer insight into your writing style and how you approach a script. You should choose screenwriters who have written scripts that are similar to what you would write for this production company.

Example: “I admire a variety of screenwriters for different reasons. Aaron Sorkin is one that stands out to me because he has an incredible ability to create complex, multi-layered characters and stories that are both entertaining and thought provoking. His work on The West Wing and The Social Network are prime examples of this.

I also have a great deal of respect for Quentin Tarantino. He has an incredibly unique style that blends together elements from multiple genres in ways that no other writer does. His films often feature strong female protagonists and memorable dialogue that elevates the story beyond its genre conventions.”

15. What do you think is the most important aspect of script editing?

Screenwriters often work with editors to ensure their scripts are free of errors and inconsistencies. An interviewer may ask this question to learn more about your editing skills and how you prioritize them. In your answer, try to identify the most important aspect of script editing and explain why it’s so important.

Example: “I believe the most important aspect of script editing is being able to identify and address any potential issues with the story or characters. This includes making sure that the plot points are clear, the dialogue flows naturally, and the characters have depth and purpose. It also involves ensuring that the pacing of the story works well and that there are no inconsistencies in the narrative. Finally, it’s important to be able to provide constructive feedback on how to improve the overall quality of the script.”

16. How often do you think a script should be updated to reflect changes in society or technology?

Screenwriters often need to be aware of the latest trends and developments in society or technology. This question helps an interviewer understand how you adapt your scripts to reflect these changes. In your answer, explain what steps you take to ensure that a script is up-to-date.

Example: “I believe that scripts should be updated as often as necessary to reflect changes in society or technology. It is important for a script to remain relevant and engaging, so updating it regularly can help ensure that the story remains interesting and relatable. As a screenwriter, I understand the importance of staying up-to-date with current trends and events. I am always researching new topics and keeping an eye on what’s happening in the world around me. This helps me to make sure my writing stays fresh and timely.

Furthermore, I think it is essential to stay open to feedback from others when making updates to a script. By listening to the opinions of directors, producers, actors, and other creatives involved in the project, I can ensure that any changes made are beneficial to the overall story. Ultimately, by constantly evaluating and adapting my work, I strive to create stories that resonate with audiences.”

17. There is a scene in your script that the director doesn’t like. How do you handle it?

The interviewer may ask you a question like this to see how well you work with others. Screenwriters often collaborate with directors, producers and other members of the production team throughout the writing process. Your answer should show that you can be flexible and willing to compromise when necessary.

Example: “When a director doesn’t like a scene in my script, I approach it with an open mind. First, I listen to the director’s feedback and try to understand their perspective. Then, I consider how I can incorporate their ideas into the scene while still keeping true to the story that I am trying to tell. If necessary, I will make adjustments to the scene to address their concerns without compromising the overall narrative. Finally, I will discuss the changes with the director to ensure they are satisfied with the outcome.”

18. How do you approach writing a dialogue between two characters?

This question can help the interviewer understand your writing process and how you use dialogue to develop characters. Use examples from past projects to explain how you approach this task, including what steps you take when creating a conversation between two or more characters.

Example: “When writing dialogue between two characters, I always start by thinking about the relationship between them. Are they friends? Enemies? Lovers? This helps me to determine the tone of their conversation and how it should be written.

I then think about what each character wants from the other. Do they want information? An apology? A favor? Knowing this will help me craft a realistic exchange that feels natural and organic.

Once I have an idea of the context of the conversation, I can begin to write out the lines. I make sure to use language that is appropriate for the characters and situation, as well as consider any cultural or regional dialects that may need to be included.”

19. What’s your favorite genre to write for and why?

Screenwriters often specialize in a particular genre, such as comedy or action. The interviewer may ask this question to learn more about your experience and expertise with different types of scripts. In your answer, share which genres you enjoy writing the most and why. You can also mention any other genres that you’re familiar with if you have some experience but aren’t an expert.

Example: “My favorite genre to write for is drama. I enjoy the challenge of creating complex characters and storylines that are relatable and emotionally engaging. Drama allows me to explore themes of human relationships, morality, and personal growth in a way that resonates with audiences. It also gives me an opportunity to create stories that have depth and meaning beyond just entertainment value.

I believe my experience writing for this genre has given me the skills necessary to craft compelling scripts that will captivate viewers and keep them engaged throughout the entire story. My ability to create believable characters and situations, as well as my understanding of how to use dialogue and structure to build tension and suspense, make me an ideal candidate for this position.”

20. Do you have any experience with pitching scripts to producers or studios?

Screenwriters often need to pitch their scripts to producers or studios in order to get funding for a project. Producers and studio executives are looking for screenwriters who can effectively communicate the story they want to tell, as well as how it will be profitable for them.

Example: “Yes, I do have experience pitching scripts to producers and studios. During my time as a Screenwriter, I’ve had the opportunity to pitch several of my own scripts to various production companies. I’m comfortable with the process and understand what it takes to make a successful pitch.

I also have experience working with other writers on their pitches. In this role, I was able to provide feedback and guidance on how to best present their stories in order to capture the attention of potential buyers. This has given me an understanding of how to effectively communicate ideas and concepts in order to create a compelling narrative that will draw interest from producers and studios.”

21. What techniques do you use to make sure the script is consistent throughout its various drafts?

Screenwriters often write multiple drafts of a script, and the interviewer may want to know how you keep track of changes you make throughout the process. Explain your method for keeping notes or using software that helps you stay organized.

Example: “When I’m writing a script, I make sure to keep track of all the details that are important to the story. This includes character arcs, plot points, and any other elements that will help bring the story together. To ensure consistency throughout the various drafts, I use an outline or checklist system. This allows me to quickly review each draft and make sure nothing has been changed or left out.

I also like to read through my scripts multiple times before submitting them for review. This helps me catch any inconsistencies or errors that may have slipped through during the initial drafting process. Finally, I always strive to get feedback from others who can provide valuable insight into how the script is coming together. By taking these steps, I am confident that I can produce a consistent and well-crafted script.”

22. Describe how you would create tension in a scene.

Screenwriters need to be able to create tension in a scene. This question allows the interviewer to see how you would apply your skills as a writer to their company and projects. Use examples from past experiences or explain what you would do if you were writing for the first time.

Example: “Creating tension in a scene is an important part of any screenplay. To create tension, I focus on the stakes and make sure that they are high for all characters involved. This could be anything from life or death situations to simply wanting something that another character has.

I also like to use suspenseful music and sound effects to help build the tension. This can be used to emphasize certain moments or even just to add a sense of dread throughout the entire scene. Finally, I try to keep dialogue to a minimum and instead rely on visuals to convey the emotions of the characters. By using facial expressions, body language, and other visual cues, I am able to create a tense atmosphere without relying too heavily on words.”

23. Are there any particular topics that you like to explore when writing stories?

Screenwriters often have the opportunity to explore a variety of topics and themes in their work. Employers ask this question to learn more about your interests and how they align with the job’s responsibilities. In your answer, share two or three topics that you find interesting and why. If there are any specific movies or books that explored these ideas well, mention them as well.

Example: “Absolutely! I am passionate about exploring a wide range of topics in my writing. One of the most important elements of storytelling is to be able to relate to your audience, and I believe that this can be achieved by delving into different themes and ideas. For example, I enjoy writing stories that explore human relationships and emotions, as well as those that focus on social issues such as poverty or racism. I also like to write stories that have an element of mystery or suspense, as these are always exciting for readers. Ultimately, I strive to create stories that will keep people engaged and entertained while also making them think about the world around them.”

24. Have you ever faced writer’s block while working on a project? If so, how did you handle it?

Screenwriters may experience writer’s block from time to time. Employers ask this question to make sure you have strategies for overcoming it and getting back on track with your work. In your answer, share a specific example of when you faced writer’s block and how you overcame it.

Example: “Yes, I have faced writer’s block while working on a project. It can be an incredibly frustrating experience, but I’ve learned to handle it in a few different ways.

The first thing I do is take a break from the project and focus on something else for a bit. This could be anything from reading a book or watching a movie to going for a walk or taking a nap. Taking a break helps me clear my head and come back with fresh ideas.

If that doesn’t work, I’ll try brainstorming with someone else who has knowledge of the project. Talking through the story and characters with another person often helps me see things from a different perspective and get new ideas.

Lastly, if all else fails, I’ll go back to basics and review the fundamentals of storytelling. Reading books about screenwriting or watching interviews with successful writers can help remind me of what makes a good story and give me the inspiration I need to move forward.”

25. What tips can you give us about developing interesting plot twists and surprises?

Screenwriters need to be able to create plot twists and surprises that keep the audience engaged. Employers ask this question to see if you have any tips for creating these elements in your screenplays. In your answer, share a few strategies you use to make sure your plot twists are surprising but also believable.

Example: “Developing interesting plot twists and surprises is an essential part of creating a compelling story. To ensure that your plot twists are effective, I suggest focusing on the characters first. By understanding their motivations and desires, you can create believable plot points that will surprise the audience while still making sense in the context of the story.

I also recommend taking time to brainstorm potential plot twists before writing the script. This allows you to come up with creative ideas and explore different possibilities without being limited by the existing narrative. Finally, it’s important to remember that plot twists should always be logical and consistent with the story. If they don’t make sense or feel forced, then they won’t have the desired effect. With these tips in mind, I’m confident I can help craft engaging stories with unexpected plot twists.”

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Who am I as a Writer?

“Who am I as a writer?” I don’t know. “Who am I as a writer?” I said I don’t know. “Who am I as a writer?”… Why no response? Is it that you don’t know or don’t want to know? “Who am I as a writer?” There’s that question again. What are you so afraid of? “Who am I as a writer?” Why don’t you want to find out? “Who am I as a writer?” Don’t you wish to discover who you are? “Who am I as a writer?” Let’s dive deeper than that. How? First let’s change the question. Who are we as a writer?  We? Who is this we, when it is only me?  It is only you because you refuse to figure out who you are.

“Who am I as a writer?” I am confused. I go back and forth with myself everytime I want to write something. I can never commit to what I want to write because “what if that’s not what they want”, “what if I’m understanding this wrong”, “what if I run out of time, I have to simplify what I want to say”. What if, what if, what if. Why can’t I just do?

“What am I as a writer?” I am a procrastinator. I wait until the very last minute to write out what it is I want to say. Maybe that’s why I don’t get to clearly complete my thoughts. I poke and prod at this idea I have in my head but can never put it down on paper. Why? Because if I can’t complete a sentence why should I waste time writing it down? But if you don’t write it down how will it ever become complete?

“Who am I as a writer?’ I am a mess. Who says so? I do. I write and I write and I write but none of it has any meaning. Do I not have meaning? Does this not have meaning? Sure this has meaning but is it really what I want to say? Will the people understand what it is that I’m saying? Do I even understand what I’m saying? What is the point of this? I feel like I’m doing the assignment wrong. Maybe we are.

“Who am I as a writer?” I am lost. What is it you want to know? In reference to Billy Collins, why is it that you’re dissecting my work trying to find a deeper meaning out of it. Why are you trying to dissect me and my mind?

“Who am I as a writer?” I am wrong. I think I went a little too far off track, I don’t even know what I wanted to say anymore. “Who am I as a writer?” This is my thought process. I go up and down, back and forth, question everything, is this right, will they understand what I’m trying to say, get lost in my thoughts, wait until the very last minute and throw whatever comes to mind on the page, take everything off the page and start back at square one.

“Who am I as a writer?” I think this answers it.

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Productivity

How to build your own custom ChatGPT with OpenAI's GPT builder

Now, that's small potatoes. OpenAI, the company behind ChatGPT, recently released a way for anyone to create their own version of ChatGPT. They're calling them GPTs, and you can build one, catered to your company or personal goals, in a matter of minutes.

Here's how to build your own custom ChatGPT using OpenAI's GPT builder.

Note: Building a custom GPT is currently available only to ChatGPT Plus and Enterprise users. 

Table of contents:

What are GPTs?  

How to build your own custom ChatGPT

How to edit your custom chatbot, what are gpts .

GPTs are custom versions of ChatGPT created by OpenAI users. All you have to do is tell the GPT builder, in plain English, what you want to create, and the builder will take it from there. 

Here's what the GPT builder suggested when I asked it to create a chatbot that shares only fun facts about otters. 

You can also configure your GPT to browse the web, generate images using DALLE·3 , and run code.

While users with a ChatGPT Plus or Enterprise account can already customize ChatGPT responses with custom instructions , the GPT builder takes things a step further in two notable ways: 

Create multiple custom GPTs. There are no limits to how many GPTs you can build, making it easy to toggle between chatbots and get the right kind of AI-powered support for the occasion. Custom instructions, on the other hand, limit you to one set of instructions per user. 

Upload knowledge source files. Instead of copying and pasting text from every resource you want ChatGPT to consider when generating a response, you can upload knowledge files directly to your GPT builder, and it'll take care of the rest. 

Note: As part of OpenAI's privacy controls , you can opt your account out of model training. This means OpenAI won't be able to access anything containing sensitive information, like your chat history and knowledge files, to train their models. But as with any generative AI, there's always a risk of data breaches , and ways for people to get access to your knowledge sources, so be careful about what you upload in the early days of this feature.

Here's the short version of how to build your own custom ChatGPT using OpenAI's GPT builder.

Go to chat.openai.com and log in. 

In the sidebar, click Explore . 

Click Create a GPT . 

Enter your instructions in the message box of the Create page. Chat with the GPT builder until you get the results you want.

Click Configure to add advanced customizations to your AI assistant. For example, you can change your chatbot's name, further refine the instructions, upload knowledge files, and set up actions. 

Click Save , and select how you want to share your custom GPT. 

Click Confirm .  

Now let's take a closer look at the finer details of using GPTs.  

1. Log in to your OpenAI account

Before you get started, you must have a ChatGPT Plus or Enterprise account. Already have the required account type? Click Log in to start chatting. 

If you're having trouble logging in, your best bet is to reload your page. For specific login issues, check out OpenAI's troubleshooting tips .  

2. Create your GPT 

The GPT builder will display a split screen: the Create panel is where you enter your prompts to build your chatbot; the Preview panel allows you to interact with your chatbot as you build, making it easier to determine how to refine it.

Enter your instructions in the message box of the Create page, and then press Enter or Return . 

The GPT builder will then suggest a few things based on your instructions: a chatbot name, profile picture, and default conversation starters.

You can accept the initial suggestions or ask the GPT builder to modify them. If you accept the initial suggestions, you can always modify them later on. 

The GPT builder will prompt you to enter more specific instructions to finetune your chatbot's behavior. 

If you're not sure how you want to modify your chatbot's behavior, that's ok. My suggestion is to test your chatbot in the Preview panel—interact with it how you normally would—and use its responses to inform your modifications. For example, if your chatbot generates lengthy responses, you might tell the builder to keep the responses short. Or if the chatbot produces facts without citing its sources, you can tell it to always cite its sources.

Continue to refine your prompts until your chatbot starts to return the kinds of responses you want your final chatbot to generate. 

3. Configure your GPT 

Now that you've set up the basics, you can further customize your GPT with advanced settings. 

Click Configure. 

If you want, you can change your chatbot's name and description as you normally would. Here's how to modify the other advanced settings: 

Profile picture . Click the profile picture. You can upload your own photo or use DALLE·3 to automatically generate a new one. If you want to specify what kind of image DALLE·3 should create, click Create , and enter your instructions.  

Instructions. Update the instructions generated by the GPT builder, or enter additional instructions or guidelines on how your chatbot should or shouldn't behave. 

Conversation starters . Click X beside any prompt to remove it. Or enter a new prompt in an empty Conversation starters field. 

Knowledge . Want your chatbot to rely on your company's style guide to draft its responses? Or maybe you want it to scan through PDFs of customer personas to give it additional context. Click Upload files , and add any relevant files for it to reference.

It's worth mentioning that my chatbot didn't consistently refer to the guide I uploaded to teach it how to write alternative text. But this could be because I need to write clearer prompts in my GPT instructions. Tinker with it until it's using your uploaded documents in the way you intended.

Capabilities . By default, your chatbot can browse the web and create AI-generated images. If you also want it to run code or analyze data, click Code Interpreter . 

Actions. If you want your chatbot to retrieve external information or take actions outside of the ChatGPT platform, click Add Actions . Here you can specify how you want your chatbot to use any third-party APIs. 

With AI Actions by Zapier , for example, you can connect your custom GPT with thousands of other apps. This way, you can take action in apps like Slack, Google Calendar, and Notion—all from within ChatGPT's interface. To do this, follow the instructions from Zapier .

If you want some of the same functionality of GPTs but in your other apps,  Zapier's ChatGPT integration lets you write and execute code, analyze data on CSVs, and even get questions answered based on your documents—straight from the apps you use most. Learn more about how to automate ChatGPT with Zapier .

4. Save your GPT 

Once you're happy with your chatbot, click Save . (If you already created your custom GPT and are publishing changes to it, click Update .) 

Select who you want to share your custom chatbot with: Only me , Only people with a link , or Public . If you're on an Enterprise plan, you'll also have Anyone at [your company] as an option.

Click Confirm . 

ChatGPT, along with any custom GPTs you build, will appear in the side panel of the ChatGPT home page. Click the GPT you want to use and interact with it the way you normally would. 

Here's the custom chatbot I created to write alternative text descriptions for an image used in a Zapier blog article. 

Of course, since the GPT builder is in beta—and because ChatGPT has a tendency to hallucinate —it's always a good idea to confirm the accuracy of your custom GPT's responses. 

6. Share your GPT 

If you made your custom GPT available to others, here's the easiest way to share your chatbot. 

Click the GPT you want to share. 

Click Copy link . 

Paste and share the link as you normally would. 

Despite how intuitive it feels to click the pencil icon next to your custom chatbot in the side panel of ChatGPT so that you can edit your chatbot, clicking that will only cause disappointment—I mean, let you start a new chat. Here's how to edit your custom chatbot. 

Click Edit next to the GPT you want to modify. 

Update your GPT settings. 

Click Update , then click Confirm . 

And here's how to delete a custom GPT. 

In the sidebar, click Explore .

Next to the GPT you want to delete, click the More icon, which looks like an ellipsis ( ... ). 

Click Delete GPT . 

In the confirmation window, click Delete GPT .

That's it.

Now, if you'll excuse me, I have serious business to get back to—which is absolutely not code for I'm going to continue to refine my very important Otterly Fascinating chatbot.

Related reading: 

What is an AI agent?

How to use Zapier's ChatGPT plugin

How to automate ChatGPT

How to train ChatGPT to write like you

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Jessica Lau

Jessica Lau is a senior content specialist at Zapier. Outside of writing, she likes to snuggle her dogs, and provide unsolicited podcast and book recommendations.

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Writing Excellent Customer Service Emails

With each step that our industry takes into the future, we rely more heavily on tried-and-true platforms like customer service emails to solve customer dilemmas.

Many might tell you that email is too impersonal to deliver the kind of excellent customer service that people expect, but when you carefully craft your emails to be considerate and quick, there's little that you can do to provide a better experience.

Consider these tips and tricks before you make any decisions relegating customer service emails to the past in favor of newer technologies. Sometimes it's the old standards that do the best work.

11 tips for writing better customer service emails

Creating an excellent email strategy starts with identifying the critical aspects of writing a good email and building them into your team's day-to-day practices. Here are some actionable tips for your team to consider and implement in your customer service email strategy.

1. Be human

When working with your support team members to improve their email strategies, encourage them to use language that feels natural. Contractions, slang, and even emojis are totally acceptable if they match the tone of the customer’s original message.

The more you allow your team to use their own language within customer service emails (while remaining professional, of course), the more natural the conversation will feel for your customers.

There’s another aspect of speaking humanly: Using the customer's name. Using their name conveys that you see them as a person with an identity rather than just a faceless customer. The same goes for when your team members use their own names.

When customer service representatives use their names and identities for their signatures and avatars, it broadcasts individual people rather than faceless representatives for a big company. This level of identity can help deter customers' problematic behavior and drive deeper relationship-building and mutual trust.

Humanize your responses as much as you can by encouraging your team members to be themselves, using language that feels natural, and recognizing that your customers are humans, too.

2. Be timely

When a customer reaches out, the amount of time it takes before your team responds or resolves the issue can have a tangible impact on their experience. Make it easy for your team members to find the answers they need and get them across to customers as quickly as possible.

There are a few things that can speed up the response process significantly:

Excellent documentation

Saved replies and macros

Easy-to-understand escalation paths

Ongoing team member training

Ensuring that your customer service team members can get to answers or escalate to appropriate team members quickly means that your customers will always get responses promptly. Because of that, they'll feel respected, prioritized, and valued.

Try the customer support platform your team and customers will love

Teams using Help Scout are set up in minutes, twice as productive, and save up to 80% in annual support costs. Start a free trial to see what it can do for you.

3. Apologize when needed

The first step to fixing a problem is an authentic and genuine apology . If a customer comes to your team and is upset or frustrated, take the time to hear them out and apologize.

Just like with any interpersonal interaction, hearing someone's complaints and addressing them directly and kindly can have a significant impact on the success of your customer service emails.

A few other phrases to use are:

Thank you for reaching out.

I totally hear you.

I'm sorry that you're running into this.

You're right.

I understand completely.

I get where you're coming from.

If the issue is something that your company dropped the ball on, take ownership and be sure to address it as you respond.

For instance, if there's a bug because of a feature your product team just released, acknowledge that this is your company's fault, and start to work toward a solution. It feels disingenuous to apologize for something but not fix the issue.

4. Get the necessary information right away

If it's evident right away when reading an email that there isn't enough information to resolve the issue, ask for more. For instance, if the entirety of the email is "I’m having trouble with your product and I need your help," ask for information and look for context around which part of the product they are referring to.

Many companies have built-in tracking to let customer service team members see precisely where a customer was in the product before reaching out to support, so consider referencing that when coming up against tricky tickets like this one.

Some companies choose to ask for additional information from the start with an email acknowledgment autoresponder . This response automatically gets sent out to customers as soon as their email is received.

Typically it sets expectations for response times and office hours for the team, but it can also include documentation to answer common questions and prompts for additional information (more info on this below).

Getting as much information as possible, especially before your team even starts looking into the conversation, is a great way to address the customer's question correctly the first time you respond.

5. Create consistency

It feels good to know what to expect in most situations in life — and it’s no different for your customers. One of the things you can do to improve your team's customer service emails is to create consistency from one conversation to another.

After all, how much trust will you erode if one of your team members answers an inquiry entirely differently from how another one does?

Create policies, tone and style guides, and saved replies to ensure customers get the same experience every time. Be sure to review anything you put in place every few months to ensure that it's still accurate and up to date.

Enact customer service team training so that all of your team members are well-equipped to use the tools you put in place. What use is a tool if no one knows it exists or how to use it?

When you create consistency, all of your email responses match your Twitter interactions, blog posts, and website content, and your customers always get the types of responses that they've become accustomed to.

6. Don't take it personally

Customers reaching out to support can often view it as a safe venting space for whatever has gone wrong in their day. It's not uncommon for emails to be a bit more aggressive than necessary.

A customer service agent never knows where customers are coming from when they email — all they can know is what's right in front of them in the inquiry.

Remind your team members that it's not necessarily them that the customer is angry at, but instead, at the situation they find themselves in. However, even with frequent reminders, it can sometimes be difficult to keep calm — especially in the face of what feels like irrational anger.

There are a few ways to take care of both your customers and your team members:

Give team members an easy path to escalation.

Let your team take mental health days as needed.

Provide "out of the queue" time when things get tough.

Empower team members with excellent training to de-escalate sticky situations.

Fire customers who abuse your team members.

While it's important to be kind and to understand where your customers are coming from, that doesn't mean you should let them walk all over you. Encourage your team to be kind while also holding their boundaries.

7. Answer all the customer’s questions

Everyone's received one of those emails that's seven paragraphs long and has so many questions in it that it's hard to keep track of all of them. Even if there aren't a bunch of interspersed, unclear questions, it can still be hard to make sure that you answer everything in an email — but it's essential.

One of the best things you can do for a customer is ensure that everything they ask in their email gets answered clearly and concisely the first time you reply. Check out our examples below for a great way to format this.

If you recognize that a conversation is complex and has tons of questions, be sure to read the original email over a few times before sending your response to make sure you've addressed all of their concerns.

8. Share resources when and where you can

Documentation is one of the best things you can send to a customer. Not only does it save your team time from typing the same response again and again, but it also empowers your customers to find information themselves the next time they run into trouble. People prefer not to have to reach out to support!

Try to send relevant documentation that can either support or give a more explicit example of your answer whenever you write an email. Documentation can include videos, links to other docs, and even contextual guidance within your product.

Sharing it with your customers means that you've given them the best chance for success, since multimedia documentation often meets different learning criteria better than just an email could.

Similarly, if you are working on an email and it starts turning into a novel, consider creating a document from it. This is doubly true if it's an email that you write often or it seems super detailed beyond what you typically send to a customer.

Rather than stopping to create the documentation and delaying your customer's response, consider creating a "backlog" of documents that need to be written. That way, any members of your team who have free time can decide to contribute.

Add the original content of the first email response that you wrote up as a starting point. A Trello or Asana board is a great place to keep a running list like this.

9. Speak clearly and concisely

While encouraging your team members to follow your tone and style guidelines and allowing them to find their own voices, it's still important to encourage everyone to speak clearly and concisely in your customer service emails.

Some tips to use for concise, straightforward writing are:

Consider breaking things down into easy-to-read lists instead of writing in long paragraphs.

Ensure that your spelling, grammar, and punctuation are 100% accurate.

Avoid negative phrases or judgment-loaded statements about the customer.

Use a writing assistant like Grammarly to notify you of typos, misspellings, and run-on sentences and suggest changes.

Send documentation and screenshots to help clarify.

Take out unnecessary phrases like "I think," and get directly to your point.

Not only will this make your emails easier to read, but they will also take less time to write.

10. Match the customer’s tone

Have you ever told someone terrible news and had them respond with a joke? Mismatched tones can be awkward at best and painful at worst. When your customer reaches out, try to match their style as closely as possible in your response. Note things like sentence structure, use of emojis and GIFs, and even exclamation points.

If your customer is all business or is on the edge of frustration, it's probably not a great time to share your favorite “Bridesmaids” GIFs However, if your customer is all smiley faces, it might be okay to use a couple of extra exclamation points in your response.

By matching their tone, you'll make them feel more understood and at ease than you would otherwise.

11. Proactively follow up

If you answer a customer inquiry and they don't respond, especially if you've asked for more information or feedback in response, reach back out to follow up. This is especially true if they contacted you about a bug or product issue still being resolved.

A customer should never have to follow up with your team about a bug they reported. If you cannot respond to every customer individually, consider creating something like a tag that makes it easy to create a canned response that you send to everyone at once.

Even better is an interface where your customers can track requests, bugs, or outages in a single place, like Status Page or something similar.

It's always the best policy to empower customers to find answers on their terms when they need them. Make your outage, bug, and feature request information open and transparent as a great way to take the extra work off your customers' plates.

Practice makes perfect

One of the most important things to remember when improving anything is that practice makes perfect. Continue to evaluate your strategy and the work that you are doing through the lens of these best practices.

Implement repeatable processes and templates that your teammates can use to guarantee success. Regularly evaluate anything you have implemented for continued relevancy and success, and keep iterating to get better.

Like what you see? Share with a friend.

Mercer smith.

Mercer is the VP of CX Insights & Community at PartnerHero, a yoga fanatic, and strives to make the world a little bit happier one customer at a time. You can find her at mercenator.com and on Twitter .

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A: You need to have the property deed reviewed, if it is with rights of survivorship then the recording of the death certificate would likely be sufficient and the two remaining owners own the property, if this is not the case and there is no survivorship rights, then you will be stuck with and looking at some version of probate for that person in order to pass their interest in that home as well as any other estate assets that have to go through probate. You should start by having a probate attorney review the documents and circumstances as you provide additional details and specifics on all circumstances. It may be as simple as you have stated potentially, or it may not be that simple at all.

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