Names color coded in pink are viewers who had questions.

Interviews are held on Thursday nights for two hours beginning [9 CANADA/Atlantic], 8 Eastern, 7 Central, 6 Mountain, and 5 Pacific.

Moderator: Good evening, and THANKS for joining us on this night of trick or treaters! We'll understand if you have to go to the door occasionally to pass out treats. We are happy to have Pat DeClue to chat with tonight about biographical profiles. Pat has published over 200 articles in newspapers and magazines. Many of her articles are profiles of people doing extraordinary things in everyday settings. She is president of the Writers' Society of Jefferson County, Missouri, which she started this year as a chapter of the Missouri Writers' Guild. Welcome to the chat room, Pat!

Pat: Thank you, it’s good to be here.

Moderator: What types of people do you interview, Pat:?

Pat: Though interviews have been written about everyone from the famous to the ordinary person, I have to say most of my experience has been with people in my community who have interesting lives.

Moderator: What kinds of people make good interviewers?

Pat: People who show a deep empathy for human nature,people who care at a deeper level.

hemingway's mom: Pat, how do you select the people you profile?

Pat: I freelance regularly for a county newspaper and often they assign a profile to me. I listen and watch naturally as a writer and stories just present themselves. For example, I heard my neighbor say her family was making a quilt from her high school tee shirts and I wrote a nice article from that. Another time, I was in a funeral line and the people in front of me were talking about their daughter going to Japan. I was able to write a story on that.

Moderator: What value do you see in writing profiles?

Pat: Profiles let me in to the world of others. They give me another perspective on life and I naturally love to learn about people.

Moderator: What are the essential elements of a finished profile, Pat:?

Pat: A profile should reflect the personality of the person being interviewed by including background information, ancedotes, quotes and statements from others. A profile can reflect the interesting things about that person that are current.

kimf: Pat, when you interview someone, on average, how long do the interviews last?

Pat: It depends. I believe any interview over two hours is too long. Again, it depends on the subject matter. I have conducted interviews within that limit one-on-one, by phone, and also via mail.

Moderator: What are some helpful interviewing techniques?

Pat: The first thing I do is try to relax the person being interviewed by having a general conversation with him/her. I also use a tape recorder and it's important to position the interview so the voices record nicely. Too, I go prepared with a list of questions I've read over several times so I don't have to refer to them frequently. I usually start with a "Tell me about your interest, or situation, etc." and often they will answer many of your questions.

hemingway's mom: What kind of preparations do you do before an interview?

Pat: First I need to set up the interview. Then I prepare a list of questions that include who, what, when, where, why, how, and some extra questions. Then I check to make sure I have my tape recorder, extra batteries and tapes, pencil and tablet, camera if I need to take pictures, and water. It's important to dress nicely and feel confident. When you go prepared and look your best, the article reflects that. I believe the interview is directly related to the outcome of the article.

Moderator: What are the essential qualities of a good profile?

Pat: You need to have a strong, interesting opening, one that hooks the reader. The sentences, paragraphs, quotes--all information--should move the article along. Everything you write should reflect your focus and be current. The article should attempt to reveal the comprehensive picture of the individual personality. You need to reflect the subject’s opinions, aspirations, passions, peeves. Anything that helps illuminate the subject and show their emotional involvement in what it is they are being profiled about.

Who do I profile? Often my friends have interesting hobbies or have accomplished something noteworthy. For example, I wrote a profile on a friend who collects antique gameboards. Another on a friend who writes poetry and has had her work displayed in the community.

Moderator: We have three VERY interesting questions from hemingway's mom, Pat, and I'm going to give them to you in order.

hemingway's mom: Pat, do you save tapes of those you inteview, and for how long?

Pat: Yes, I do save tapes. It's important to be able to prove what you write, especially when using quotes. How long I save them depends, again. I used to save them and not tape over them. That got expensive. After nine years of writing profiles, I now wait a few months, then tape over.

hemingway's mom: Do you try to capture the person's VOICE in your article?

Pat: I definitely try to capture the voice, but I never embarrass a person. Many times people will use poor grammar or mispronounce words. I always make sure I reflect the person in a good light.

hemingway's mom: Who have you found to be your most interesting profile?

Pat: Definitely one of my most interesting was a 94-year-old woman who went white-water rafting at the age of 90. She didn't start traveling abroad until age 60, and has since visited all but one continent. She spoke with clarity, fluency, and had terrific recall. I was fascinated by what she told about her life and she gave me the desire to explore life at any age. One of the things I gain from interviewing is insight into the endless possibilities of life.

Moderator: WOW, hope I can do that when I'm 90!

mbvoelker: How do you tell whose story will make an interesting article?

Pat: I seem to have an ear for what will work. Also my editor assigns profiles she feels will work. The people make them interesting.

hemingway's mom: Pat, has anyone ever asked you to REWRITE something about them?

Pat: Not really. They often will say something and then say, "Don't put that in the article." I ALWAYS honor that. I put people at ease by telling them, "This is your story. When I finish this interview and write it, I go on to the next one. You will have it in print, so let's reflect what you want said about yourself."

hemingway's mom: What's the best thing you have learned from an interview?

Pat: I have learned that, no matter how busy I am or how far a person gets off the subject, I must never forget this is a story about a human being, not a thing. So I must always remember to consider their feelings and wishes. I ask myself, "Would I want the best written about me?" Then I write the best I can about them.

Moderator: It's easy to sense that you care about people, Pat, and that must make your profiles go well.

Laura: Do you bring a finished article to the newspaper for consideration?

Pat: The way it works with newspapers is that I submit (via e-mail) a finished piece. If the editor has a question or concern she calls me. Often I don't see the piece again until it appears in print. Magazines will do the same. We work back and forth, usually via phone or e-mail, until the article reflects what the writer and editor agree upon.

tigger: Other than newspapers, what other markets are there for profiles, Pat?

Pat: Usually magazine or newspaper markets, but the field is large: trade magazines, consumer, local, regional, national. Often the articles I write for the newspaper can be sold again to a magazine as I did with a profile on a woman whose support dog saved her life. I queried that article to Woman's World and they featured it. They called me the day before it was to go to press and said their photographer couldn't do the shoot. I don't hesitate to say I will do the picture shoot. They asked me to do it and I got paid a nice amount for taking a roll of film and sending it by Fed Ex.

Moderator: I'd like to know more about the woman whose support dog saved her life--you’ve hooked my interest, Pat!

Pat: This was a story about a woman who went out on a winter day and slipped on ice. She had previously been injured in a fall and was handicapped from it. Her support dog lay close to her to keep her warm and then eventually worked his body under her and helped her stand up.

hemingway's mom: Pat, how much does the paper "tinker" with your finished article?

Pat: Some articles come out "picture perfect," the way I wrote them. Often an editor will change the lead or cut out sections to make room for advertising space. I have to accept that newspapers operate from the monies they generate from advertising, so, as much as I want to see my craft left intact, I accept changes as necessary. Sometimes changes are made that then change the focus or meaning of the piece. That seldom happens but when it does I feel responsible even though I didn't directly do it. After you write enough articles, you learn to submit your very best and accept the imperfections.

mbvoelker: I'm afraid I don't understand. What is it about the people that makes an article interesting and what would make it dull? Do they have to be startling or outrageous? Unusual, atypical, ordinary with a twist?

Pat: The person and the hobby or situation they are involved in need to be interesting to start with and their story will reflect that. There will be a reason for the story to begin with. For example, the harmonica player I interviewed could not read music, yet he has entertained numerous crowds with his abilities.

Moderator: I understand that, Pat, I'm a harmonica player myself!

tigger: If you're not on staff or a regular freelancer for a newspaper, how do you go about breaking in with a profile? Query the editor?

Pat: Yes, that is exactly the right approach. For example I wrote a query indicating an interest in writing for the paper I freelance for. They didn't respond. When I queried again with a story for them, they called me. The story must be interesting enough for them to run it. Then they'll want to see it on spec and get back to you. Sometimes I think a story is really terrific and they don't. The editor will, of course, make that final judgement. A few times, though, I've been asked to write it and then let them decide. They've always gone with it once they receive it.

paige: Do you find material for your profiles in the papers and magazines you write for?

Pat: Not really. Usually I'm asked by an editor or I come across a profile idea in a conversation with someone who happens to mention an interesting aspect about a person. Right now I've been assigned a weekly column in the two issues of the newspaper I write for on profiling teachers in our county. Because I'm a former teacher, I am thoroughly enjoying interviewing teachers who have been chosen by their principals to reflect the interesting aspects of the teaching field.

Some magazines profile certain types of people and I keep those markets in mind. For example, a regional magazine called School & Community profiles teachers who have interesting side hobbies or lives. I've written three or four profiles for that magazine and writing these profiles for the newspaper gives me leads for the magazine.

hemingway's mom: So, from what you said earlier, shooting photos and writing are good companions?

Pat: Definitely. It really depends, though, on how interested you are in doing the photo shoot. Some writers don't want to get into that aspect of the field. I enjoy taking pictures but do request the newspaper photographer take the pictures on occasion because I might have a time crunch with my own personal schedule and not be able to get the film developed and to the editor.

mbvoelker: Pat, have you ever had an intended profile turn into a complete flop? What happened and why? How can you avoid that?

Pat: Some people are very shy or private. I've never had a flop except once. I interviewed the former music director in our community and had a very successful interview with him. The next morning at 7 a.m. he called me and said he didn't want his story in the paper. Something to do with his son and a family situation. Of course, I honored that and passed that information along to the editor. I believe you have to always realize, again, that you are dealing with the human element and it is up to you, the interviewer, to go prepared and make that person feel special.

One lady was not happy with the shorter piece the paper wanted on her and said she might not give me an interview. That time the paper dictated a specific length. I checked back with the paper, we did do the interview, and all turned out fine. Other than that, I've had good success.

One other example. I was assigned to write a profile on a man in another community by a magazine. I did that via mail and phone. It took quite a bit of building him up to get him to talk about himself. The article turned out fine but I was exhausted. Most of the interviews are as interesting for me as they are for the reader. I learn a lot quickly and am usually fasinated by the lives of people.

paige: General interest stories are often written up in newspapers and magazines as they happen. Do you have other sources for profile material?

Pat: Most of my writing has been at a local level. I've not profiled nationally-known celebrities. If you were to go that route, the other sources would be the news media and celebrities visiting a community.

hemingway's mom: Do many of your interviews show triumph over adversity?

Pat: Some of them do. For example, I profiled a woman who had a kidney transplant. The lady went on the to become a "poster lady" in a compaign to encourage organ donations. Some profiles simply highlight a special event a person will participate in, or reflect an unusual hobby.

hemingway's mom: Pat, is there a resource to use to learn how to interview better?

Pat: Michael Schumacher has written a book called, Creative Conversations: The writer's Complete Guide to Conducting Interviews. You can always check with your local book stores, Amazon.com, ask writer friends to share material. The best practice is interviewing someone in your family or a close friend. That's a start.

paige: I have written a historical profile, but while my instructors both thought it was good, I haven't been able to find a market for it. Can you suggest possible markets for historical fiction?

Pat: Not that I know of. I suggest you go to the Writer's Market, WritersMarket.com, Writer's Digest Magazine, or other writers’ literature.

hemingway's mom: Do you submit articles elsewhere when they’re not accepted by your paper?

Pat: I'll answer that in two parts. I never submit articles--only article ideas to the newspaper. Once assigned, they are always in print. Yes, I keep ideas and submit them elsewhere.

bettyboop: Sorry I'm late, trick/treat here, you know. I have read in a few articles lately that people "lie," saying that they are doing an interview for a named magazine. After the interview, they target that magazine. I guess I am asking, is this common? I don't feel its right.

Pat: I agree with you, it isn't right. Maybe writers get desperate. I've never been to that point. I interviewed a blind lady in Florida who has a fasinating story of survival after the death of her son. I shared with her the first market I planned to send it to. When it was rejected by that market, I again shared with her the next market. It was rejected by the next market. Now I'm in the process of finding more markets. I do keep her informed.

hemingway's mom: Have you considered a book based on the profiles you do?

Pat: YES! I just need to study the "how" of that because I haven't written a book and am not sure if this is the one I want to start with.

juls: If profiling is so important what are the benefits one gets from doing it?

Pat: I believe you are asking me if profiling is so important to ME, what are the benefits I get from it. Writing in general has been discovery for me. As I learn about others I often see myself reflected in their passions, triumphs, struggles, feelings. I honestly thrive on learning about others. I see that writing profiles gives me as a writer an opportunity to relate to the world around me. I don't feel so alone or isolated with my thoughts and feelings when I hear others speak so passionately about things I'm often interested in.

For example, I wrote a story about an elderly married couple who do volunteer work at a nursing home. They opened up a world for me I might not have explored had I not entered theirs. They showed me the needs that exist in that particular area of life. Perhaps we all apply what we get from an interview to our own lives as we see a need.

wendywrites: Pat, after you have more than enough information to write your profile, is there a formula to follow in writing it up or do you just follow the natural events in time order?

Pat: I start with an opening that hopefully hooks the reader. Then generally follow with a theme and then a quote. After that I let it flow in order. The ending, of course, reflects the opening statement and sums up the article. After writing so many, you do "feel" your way through the article. I look at it as putting the puzzle pieces together. Often I type everything on the computer screen and then start moving the information around. If I'm doing a phone interview I've trained myself to type the information as they give it to me. Then, again, I start moving it around until it forms a story.

hemingway's mom: Do you shoot digital photos or conventional shots?

Pat: Right now, conventional. You need to check with publications to see what they prefer.

crystal: Do you show the piece of writing to the interviewee?

Pat: It's a general rule that you do not, but I must admit I have sent it over the internet to the interviewee on occasion. That has never presented a problem for me but I do believe it's best to tell the interviewee to check with the editor if they want to read it before it goes to print.

bettyboop: Would it be better to ask open questions instead of just ones that they could answer with yes or

no, Pat?

Pat: You're right. Yes or no questions will get you one-word responses.

hemingway's mom: How do you organize the infomation you glean from interviews

Pat: Sometimes it's difficult to know how to work everything into an article and to know what to leave out. If you feel you are wandering, it's best to stop and write a one-sentence focus. Then make everything you say reflect that focus. Often the material can fit in more than one place within a piece. You must decide where it reads best. By reading your work out loud to yourself you will catch when something doesn't fit.

I will write the complete article first. Then I print it out and read it out loud, making corrections on the copy and on the screen at the same time. I may need to go through several of these exercises before I'm satisfied. I'm very hard on myself. My work reflects not only the person who is being profiled, but what kind of writer I am. There's no excuse for turning in less than your best.

hemingway's mom: Does profile writing teach about building characters?

Pat: If you mean building character, that would hopefully be an intended outcome of an article for the reader. If you mean characters for books, I suppose it could give you many ideas. I believe you could use certain aspects of any profile for character profiles for books.

hemingway's mom: What are your writing goals and how do you establish them?

Pat: My goals seem to be constantly changing, but I do firmly believe in setting goals for projects. It depends on what you’re writing. If it’s a book, then the goals reflect that. For an article, I try to follow the style of the intended piece. Personally, I set goals on how much I want to produce weekly, monthly, yearly. I find setting goals helps me produce more, but it is a juggling act along with a personal life that includes many obligations.

Moderator: Last question--a goody!

veda: What is the most unusual interview you've conducted, and where is the most unusual place you've interviewed someone?

Pat: Good one--the most unusual was writing about a teenager who raised prized cattle. That was hard for me to get into. The most unusual place was when I interviewed the director of Goodwill Industries for Missouri in a restaurant. All that came out of the tape was the clanging of dishes and the voices of the waitresses and customers. Thank goodness I had asked him to bring in some literature. With what I could remember and the literature to boot, he said it was the best article anyone had ever written about him and he offered me a PR job with him! I realized that day that there is a God and that I had better pick my interviewing sites in more appropriate places, even though he was pleased. I died a thousand deaths before it was completely written.

Moderator: I'm sorry that the time has flown so quickly, but I expected it would with an easy-to-chat-with writer like Pat DeClue. Thank you ALL so much for coming tonight! And thank YOU, Pat, for opening up a whole new vista of writing for us--profiles! We could tell here tonight why you are so successful at it. You made us feel very special--THANKS for being here!

Pat: Thank you. I certainly enjoyed the opportunity.

Moderator: Do come back and join us here on November 14 when Louise McClenathan will join us so we can discuss "Changing Trends in Picture Books." Children's picture books are what most every children's writer thinks about first when they think children's books. And picture books are probably the genre that most children's writers want most to publish. It's important to keep up on what editors want in a picture book manuscript, and Louise McClenathan with her expertise will tell us November 14. I hope you’ll come back then. Goodnight, everybody!