Social networks have opened the means to connect with a significantly broader selection of contacts right across the globe - perfect for the writer. But as well as generating contact, have you thought about social networks as sources for writing material?

The Urban Muse writes about how a selection of social networks can help generate interview sources. Each social network Susan suggests provides unique opportunities for interview subjects and sources for research. Some of them so good that you may find yourself awash with far more information than you could ever handle. That is a much better prospect than struggling through a wasteland of too few options.

Once you have sourced the ideal interviewee, pop over to Writing White Papers and remind yourself about the 6 Interview Tips for Writers there to give yourself the best possible chance of making the most of the opportunity you have invested so much effort in creating.

In particular the comments on the above Writing White Papers post are worth reading. They contain few additional, valuable tips on real world experiences with interviews. Sharon in particular, suggests a great technique when interviewing on a subject in which you are not entirely knowledgeable: “…so I said to the interviewee: ‘Pretend I know nothing and explain your business to me.’ I got a great interview and was better informed.” Superb tip!