Dona Munker: Writing a Biography

October 12, 2011 7:50 AM EDT

"Don’t let the subject try to take control of your project, even if this means you’ll get extra help."

Amen, and that includes the children of the subject. I was once intrigued by the prospect of writing about a famous architect and his strong-minded wife, both deceased. Their personal and business papers were in an archive and open to researchers. When I approached their son, whom I already knew, and sounded him out to see if he would co-operate, he assured me that he would--provided I gave him a share in the advance and the royalties! I explained politely that it didn't work that way and went on look for another subject.

- Dona

October 12, 2011 10:06 AM EDT

It is not just a legal obligation to tell someone that you are taping a call but an ethical one as well. I will check but I think in California you have to get prior permission to tape a call, not just inform someone.

- Nevin

October 12, 2011 10:35 AM EDT

Important issue. Anything else? What's the situation in New York, Chicago, London, etc.?

- Dona Munker

October 12, 2011 10:59 AM EDT

You should always inform an interview subject that you are recording them, but on the ethical question, I have a different opinion. You are recording the call in order to quote or check a comment they made, save both your own and their time, and avoid the distraction of taking notes. It will also avoid the issue of people claiming you misquoted or misinterpreted what they said. Having the evidence protects both you and them.

- Les

October 12, 2011 11:01 AM EDT

You asked for links on how to know how to record a phone interview. This is handy:
Can We Tape? A Practical Gide to Taping Phone Calls and In-Person Conversations in the 50 States and D.C. (Reporters Committee on Freedom of the Press
http://www.rcfp.org/taping/states.html

You may find helpful tips here:
http://www.patmcnees.com/work6.htm#bookmark9

Pat McNees
Writers and Editors
www.writersandeditors.com
www.patmcnees.com

- Pat McNees

October 12, 2011 12:22 PM EDT

Very helpful. Thanks to both of you.

- Dona Munker

October 19, 2011 12:50 AM EDT

Most consummate... Very insightful.

Haven't read the Ron Howard book (but it's on my list!), however, I found the Corman one to be one of most enthralling of film maker biographies.

- St. Keith

April 09, 2012 10:32 AM EDT

I don't tape; I type. During many years as a staff newspaper writer, I cradled the phone on my neck and typed as the source spoke. Now, mindful of the stress this puts on the neck, I use a lightweight Panasonic headphone (be sure your landline phone has the requisite outlet). Whenever I think a "query" call may result in an instant interview, I wear the headphone. Otherwise, I just take rapid handwritten notes -- another skill I picked up as a journalist. People tend to speak freely when you don't have to raise the specter of taping.

- Cathy Curtis