posted
I was wondering what questions Mr. Card has most enjoyed answering in his dealings with the press and fans.
And which (besides this one) he has least enjoyed answering.
Oh, and why...of course.
I know he's talked about some of this somewhere, but I couldn't find it. So if this is a repeat, I'll delete in exchange for a link to the prior discussion.
Also, since this is a discussion board, of course, maybe it'd be interesting to speculate on what types of questions would be most and least pleasing to an author.
I personally would think that the "how do you come up with your ideas" question would really bug me. I'd probably try to give silly answers to it.
I've been interviewed by the press a few times and my least favorite questions are usually the ones that show the person hasn't spent much time thinking about the issue. I really enjoy a challenge, although sometimes on the spur of the moment I give the wrong answer. And that kind of stinks because then I feel like I should've spent more time thinking about it.
Posts: 22497 | Registered: Sep 2000
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posted
lol. Yeah, I wonder if he's actually been asked that in a formal interview. I suspect he has a good answer, though, to something that rude and that direct. Starting with "I don't" and moving on from there...
Posts: 22497 | Registered: Sep 2000
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posted
Any question that attempts to use me as a means of attacking Mormonism will end an interview on the spot. But then, the kinds of questioners who do that are a waste of time anyway - I'm pickier these days about which interviews I'll do.
Favorite questions? The ones that surprise me and make me think about an interesting subject before I can answer. But NOT if they're hugely open-ended questions where the answer would have to be a whole book. I like questions that are specific.
Posts: 2005 | Registered: Jul 1999
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posted
I think my least favorite interview question, if I were Mr. Card, would be:
"You know, some people say that Fantasy and Science-Fiction are not real genres to be dabbled in when searching for respectable literature. What do you, a mainly Fantasy and Sci-Fi writer, have to say on the matter?"
If I were in such a position, and I was told that the pieces of writing I've spent my whole life producing weren't "respectable literature," I'd probably strangle the interviewer.
But that is just me.
Posts: 6026 | Registered: Dec 2004
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posted
I don't think, with the way you've phrased that question, it would be one that Card would dislike. You're being too respectful, and Card has a perfect opportunity to inform you that these people are elitest morons.
Now if you asked it like this, I think he would strangle you. "Don't you feel you're wasting your time writing books with no actual merit?"
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posted
I actually get that "why does sci-fi suck?" question all the time - in different guises. I answer cheerfully, in the hopes that while the interviewer is beyond help, if I'm quoted accurately perhaps someone else will change his or her view.
Posts: 2005 | Registered: Jul 1999
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posted
OK I'm a noob to this forum, so I'm more than likely about to commit some Hatrack River taboo, but here goes nothing...
Orson, will you make a sequel to Children of the Mind in which you reveal to us the mysteries of the Descaladores?
I started reading your books in the Enderverse first, and have read most of your other novels since then, but that is the one loose end that haunts me...
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MrMojoDriver, try starting that question in a new thread (it will be more likely to get answered). Good luck and welcome.
Posts: 231 | Registered: Apr 2005
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I've decided my favorite question will be (note the future tense):
"So, Bob, oh, I can call you Bob, can't I? Yes? Thanks! Anyway, would you care to tell us just how you went about negotiating the largest advance in publishing history?"
So, Jaime, can you tell us how you managed to end world hunger, create world peace, take over the world and have the entire population submit to you and become your slaves, cure cancer, and negotiate a larger advance in the publishing industry than previous record-holder Bob Scopatz?
You guys think too small.
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I could sit and think all day and not come up with anything worthwhile to ask anyone at a book signing. Just not the right rhetorical situation.
Posts: 5957 | Registered: Oct 2001
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I dunno. That just sounds too cliche to me. You figure the author's probably heard that a hundred times already.
Posts: 5957 | Registered: Oct 2001
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Tante...don't forget, however, that it has to transport it SOMEWHERE...as The trouble with Tribbles amply demonstrated, it's not always good to be on the receiving end of a transporter beam.
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quote:Originally posted by Bob_Scopatz: It depends entirely on which room of the house the teleportation device is installed in.
Imagine the possibilities. Dear god.
Bob: I am not familiar with your work, I don't even know really what you do; haven't been around long enough to know why you get interviewed (aside from your bracing wit). Can you fill in the unenlightened ones?
Posts: 9912 | Registered: Nov 2005
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