Interviewing people - a perk I love

One of the best parts of my job as a freelance writer is that I get to speak with very interesting people. I’m often intimidated when trying to track them down and then again when I’m starting in on the actual interview. I know I shouldn’t be, but there’s still a bit of the little insecure me that says, “Why would he/she want to talk to me?”

This past week was great for interviews. I had to speak with some people involved in the Native or Aboriginal community in Canada for a medical piece I’m putting together; it's for a physician’s journal. First, I spoke with a Mohawk dietician who is working on her PhD. She was such a delight to interview. Her answers were thoughtful and meaningful – I managed to get a lot of information out of her in a 30-minute interview. I hope that I have some reason to speak with her again because she was just so nice. I am always grateful when someone gives me their time to help me do a good job.

Yesterday, I interviewed a Native physician from BC. With my inferiority complex kicking in, I thought for sure that this busy man, who was now not only a physician but working for the government in an advisory position, would be way too busy to find any time for me - but he was more than readily available. He was a great source. He called me after we played phone tag for a bit and he ended up speaking with me on his hands-free phone in the car, so there were a few times it was a bit difficult to hear him – but the fact that he was able to make the time to speak with me was greatly appreciated. He gave some really good insight to the topic I’m working on.

I’m not the most experienced interviewer in the writing world, but I have been fabulously lucky in my sources. Because of the nature of my work, many of my interviews are with very high level medical researchers, academics or specialists. The vast majority are kind, thoughtful, well-spoken, very considerate and generous with their time. I have to say that this more than makes up for the few bad apples that do turn up every so often.

So, how long has it been since I last said, “I love my work?”

Today's News:
Patterns: In Studies, Surprise Findings on Obesity and Heart Attacks
Blood test signals heart disease in healthy people
Poor Sense of Smell May Be Alzheimer's
A Little Daily Dark Chocolate Reduces Blood Pressure, New Study
Northern babies at greater risk of rickets: study