So here was a first: My interview with local literati member Jane Waters-Thomas: Writers Den

Lessons learned:

1. When doing an author interview, never resign oneself to a chair that tilts backward, making you push every ounce of your neck flesh out from under your face. The camera already adds 15 pounds; don’t make it worse with posture.
2. Avoid using verbal fillers like “if you will” and random catch-all adjectives.
3. Know when to SHUT UP. There’s a fine line between adding details and bloviating.
4. Keep your eyes on the host, or on one of a few select spots around the set. Too much eye-shifting seems disingenuous.
5. Read the text that’s in your book, even if you’ve changed it in a later, better draft. Avoid creating cognitive dissonance.

There you have it. If I had it to do over again, I’d probably lose the tie, also. But we all live and learn, I suppose. Hopefully I get another shot at TV sometime — I liked the format, and I truly appreciated the opportunity to get the word out about my writing and teaching. And now that I know what NOT to do, I’d love another shot at speaking to an audience through broadcast. Great conversations are always welcome!