How Do You Ask a Well-Known Person for an Interview?

A Gutsy Google+ Hangout with Alissa Everett

One of the best things about networking, especially online, is the ability to connect with people.

As an indie author, the Internet has become a goldmine for opportunities to interview people, whether famous authors like Nigel Marsh, or photographers like Alissa Everett, who was featured in Oprah magazine.

So often we think famous people aren’t accessible, and that there’s no point in trying to get in touch with them. I don’t believe that. I’ve found that asking people for interviews, and showing them that you’re interested in what they do, and how you’d like to help promote them, is a wonderful way to get in touch.

I discovered Alissa Everett, a well-known American photojournalist who is known for creating beautiful images in the world’s most troubled areas, through an article I read about her in the Oprah magazine. After checking her website and discovering that unlike other photojournalists, Alissa focuses on the positive stories in conflict zones like Syria, DRC (Democratic Republic of Congo), Darfur, Gaza and many other parts of the world, I asked if I could e-mail her some questions about her unconventional life. She agreed, and I’ve followed her ever since knowing that one day, we would reconnect.

Now Alissa has a non-profit, ExposingHope.org, and raises money at her photography exhibitions in the U.S. She donated $50,000 towards helping the rape victims in DRC and offers micro loans and safe houses for these women and their children. Alissa Everett is truly a “gutsy” woman and I hope you watch this moving video interview as she describes her work, being ambushed in DRC, and what she would like to see happen in our world.

I just donated $50 to support 5 children at the hospital in DRC for one month. Alissa’s non-profit ExposingHope.org sends 100% of all the money towards helping women and children in DRC. AS little as $10 offers HIV testing for 5 victims of violence. $20 provides 10 days of hospital stay.

Why don’t we all help Alissa Everett by sharing what she does, and how she risks her life in order to help others who are suffering in our world.

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