Another interview this morning, for On Track. This time on the phone. Fortunately my interviewee Thurstan Crockett, Brighton’s Head of Sustainability Environmental Policy,was a former journalist and interviewed very well.
When people are masters of their own brief, it is much easier just to step back and let them download. They, after all, know far more about the subject than you do. I learned lots, such as that Brighton was recognised last year by Forum for the Future as the most sustainable city in the UK, or that there is an ambition for Brighton to be the first city to eliminate plastic bags.
My main focus was to make sure the interviewee appeared as a fully rounded person. Nobody wants to hear the thoughts of job title – they wan’t to hear what a real person thinks.
While I prefer face to face, the best thing about a phone interview is that of course the moment you put the phone down you can start typing, and the conversation is still fresh in your mind.
The rest of the day I spent sending off a manuscript for a giftbook idea I have, and writing its proposal, covering letter etc. Tiresome, but absolutely key. Now it is up to the Gods.
Peter Kenny: a writer's notebook 
2 replies on “back On Track”
See how big & clever business blogging is – although helped when your interviewee has an absolutely brilliant name like Thurston Crockett (maybe I should use that as one of my names)So when anyone Google’s Thurston Crockett your blog comes up on the front page too.
You’re right. And thanks for suggesting I do it!