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15 Writer Interview Questions (With Example Answers)

It's important to prepare for an interview in order to improve your chances of getting the job. Researching questions beforehand can help you give better answers during the interview. Most interviews will include questions about your personality, qualifications, experience and how well you would fit the job. In this article, we review examples of various writer interview questions and sample answers to some of the most common questions.

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Common Writer Interview Questions

What is your favorite book and why?

An interviewer might ask "What is your favorite book and why?" to a writer in order to get a sense of what kind of books the writer enjoys and why they enjoy them. This can be important because it can give the interviewer some insight into the writer's taste and interests, and how they might approach writing their own work.

Example: “My favorite book is 1984 by George Orwell. I love the way Orwell creates a future world that is both believable and scary. The book is a great warning against the dangers of totalitarianism and the need for freedom and liberty. It is also a very well-written book, with complex characters and a fast-paced plot.”

What is your favorite movie and why?

An interviewer might ask a writer what their favorite movie is in order to get a sense of their taste and interests. This can be important because it can give the interviewer some insight into what kind of stories the writer might be interested in telling, and what kinds of movies they might be good at writing.

Example: “My favorite movie is The Shawshank Redemption. I love the story, the characters, and the overall message of hope that it conveys. It's a powerful film that stays with you long after you've seen it.”

What is your favorite TV show and why?

There are a few reasons why an interviewer would ask a writer about their favorite TV show. For one, it can help the interviewer get a sense of the writer's taste in television and what type of shows they might be interested in writing for. Additionally, it can give the interviewer some insight into the writer's personality and why they might enjoy certain types of shows. Finally, the answer to this question can also help the interviewer understand how the writer thinks about television and what they believe makes a good show. Ultimately, the interviewer is looking to get a better sense of the writer as a person and their potential fit for the position.

Example: “My favorite TV show is The Office. I love the characters, the humor, and the overall feel of the show. It's a great way to relax and escape from reality.”

What is your favorite play and why?

An interviewer might ask "What is your favorite play and why?" to a writer in order to gauge their taste in literature and to get a sense of what kind of writing they enjoy. This question can also give insight into what kind of person the writer is and what their interests are.

Example: “My favorite play is "The Glass Menagerie" by Tennessee Williams. I love the way the playwright uses symbolism to tell the story of a family struggling to make ends meet and deal with their own personal demons. The play is also incredibly moving, and I always find myself tearing up at the end.”

What is your favorite musical and why?

There could be a few reasons why an interviewer would ask a writer what their favorite musical is. Perhaps the interviewer is looking to get a sense of the writer's taste in music, or what kind of music they are most drawn to. Additionally, the interviewer may be interested in learning more about what inspires the writer, and what kind of stories or themes they are most interested in exploring. Ultimately, this question can help the interviewer to better understand the writer and their work.

Example: “My favorite musical is "The Phantom of the Opera" because it is a classic story with amazing music. The score by Andrew Lloyd Webber is one of the best in musical theatre, and the songs are so beautiful and haunting. I also love the design of the sets and costumes, and the special effects are really impressive. It's just a perfect example of what a musical can be.”

What is your favorite opera and why?

An interviewer might ask "What is your favorite opera and why?" to a writer in order to gauge their cultural interests and knowledge. It can also give insight into what kind of music the writer enjoys and why they enjoy it, which can be helpful in understanding their taste and preferences.

Example: “My favorite opera is La Bohème by Giacomo Puccini. I love the story of young love and tragedy, set against the backdrop of bohemian Paris. The music is beautiful and heartbreaking, and the characters are so relatable. I always get goosebumps when I hear "Che gelida manina" and "Si, mi chiamano Mimi."”

What is your favorite ballet and why?

There are a few reasons why an interviewer might ask a writer about their favorite ballet. First, the interviewer may be interested in the writer's taste in art and literature. Second, the interviewer may be interested in the writer's creative process and how they approach their work. Third, the interviewer may be interested in the writer's personal life and how their experiences have influenced their writing.

The answer to this question can give the interviewer insight into the writer's creative process, their approach to their work, and their personal life. It can also help the interviewer understand the writer's taste in art and literature.

Example: “My favorite ballet is Swan Lake. I love the beauty and grace of the dancers, and the music is just gorgeous. It's a classic story that is always enjoyable to watch.”

What is your favorite painting and why?

An interviewer might ask "What is your favorite painting and why?" to a writer in order to get a sense of the writer's taste and interests. The answer to this question can also provide insight into what the writer finds beautiful or intriguing, and what sort of things inspire them. This question can be important in order to understand the writer's point of view and what drives their creativity.

Example: “I absolutely adore Vincent van Gogh's "Starry Night." It's such a beautiful and peaceful painting, and it always makes me feel incredibly calm. I love the way van Gogh captures the night sky in such an ethereal way, and the stars look like they're twinkling. It's just a really stunning piece of art.”

What is your favorite sculpture and why?

There is no one answer to this question. It is important to remember that an interviewer is trying to get to know the writer as a person, and not just as a writer. This question allows the interviewer to learn about the writer's taste in art, and how they think about art in general. It also allows the interviewer to gauge the writer's level of critical thinking and creativity.

Example: “I absolutely adore Michelangelo's "David"! For me, it represents the perfect male form – strong, muscular and powerful, yet also incredibly graceful and beautiful. It's a truly stunning piece of art that never fails to amaze me.”

What is your favorite photograph and why?

An interviewer might ask a writer about their favorite photograph because they want to know what inspires the writer or what kind of subject matter the writer is interested in. This question can give the interviewer insight into the writer's creative process and what kinds of things they find interesting or important.

Example: “My favorite photograph is one that I took of a double rainbow over a lake. It was taken early in the morning, and the colors were so vibrant and beautiful. It was just a moment of pure beauty and peace.”

What is your favorite song and why?

There are a few reasons why an interviewer might ask a writer what their favorite song is. One reason is that it can give the interviewer a better sense of the writer's taste and what kind of music they are into. This can be helpful in understanding what kind of writing the writer is likely to produce. Another reason is that the answer to this question can reveal something about the writer's personality. For example, if the writer's favorite song is something upbeat and positive, this might suggest that the writer is an optimistic person. On the other hand, if the writer's favorite song is something dark and melancholy, this might suggest that the writer is a more introspective and reflective person. Ultimately, the interviewer is likely looking for some insight into the writer's taste, personality, and creative sensibilities.

Example: “My favorite song is "Sledgehammer" by Peter Gabriel. I love the energy and power of the song, and the way it makes me feel when I listen to it. It's also a great song to sing along to when I'm driving.”

What is your favorite poem and why?

One reason an interviewer might ask a writer about their favorite poem is to get a sense of their taste and what type of writing they are drawn to. This can be important because it can give the interviewer some insight into what kind of writing the writer is likely to produce themselves. Additionally, the answer to this question can also reveal something about the writer's personality and how they view the world. For example, a writer who chooses a dark and depressing poem as their favorite might be viewed as being more brooding and introspective than one who chooses a light and airy poem. Ultimately, the interviewer is likely looking for some clues about the writer's creative process and what type of writing they are likely to produce.

Example: “My favorite poem is "The Waste Land" by T.S. Eliot. I love the way it captures the feeling of hopelessness and despair that comes with living in a modern, industrialized society. The poem also has a beautiful use of language, and I enjoy the challenge of trying to understand its complex symbolism.”

What is your favorite short story and why?

One possible reason an interviewer might ask a writer about their favorite short story is to get a sense of the writer's taste and what kind of stories they are drawn to. This can be important because it can give the interviewer some insight into what kind of stories the writer might be good at writing themselves. Additionally, the interviewer may be looking for signs of a writer's ability to analyze and discuss literature critically, which are important skills for a writer to have.

Example: “My favorite short story is "The Lottery" by Shirley Jackson. I love the suspense and mystery that surrounds the story, and I also enjoy the way Jackson uses symbolism to create a sense of unease and foreboding. The story is also a great example of how a small, seemingly innocuous event can have major consequences.”

What is your favorite novel and why?

This question allows the interviewer to gauge the writer's literary taste and interests. It also allows the interviewer to get a sense of the writer's critical thinking skills and how they articulate their thoughts and opinions.

Example: “My favorite novel is The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger. I love the book because it is a coming-of-age story that follows the life of Holden Caulfield, a teenager who is kicked out of a prestigious boarding school and becomes a wanderer in New York City. The book is funny, sad, and honest, and I relate to Holden's struggles with growing up.”

What is your favorite work of non-fiction and why?

There are a few reasons why an interviewer might ask a writer about their favorite work of non-fiction. First, it can give the interviewer some insight into what type of writing the writer is interested in and what they enjoy reading. Second, it can help the interviewer understand the writer's thought process and how they approach writing. Finally, it can help the interviewer gauge the writer's level of critical thinking and analysis.

Example: “My favorite work of non-fiction is "The Catcher in the Rye" by J.D. Salinger. I love the book because it is a coming of age story that is both funny and sad. The book is also incredibly well-written, and I appreciate the way Salinger captures the voice of his teenage protagonist, Holden Caulfield.”

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