Books Quote by Patrick O'Brian
“The first interviews I gave were entirely unpleasant. You have people trying to trip you up with impolite questions that have nothing to do with the books. It's simply vulgar curiosity, and I won't have it.”
About This Quote
Source Interview: Early career interview, 1970s
Early media appearances were marred by aggressive, irrelevant questioning, which felt disrespectful.
In simple terms: First interviews were unpleasant due to rude, off‑topic questions.
Key Takeaway
Prepare and set boundaries for interviews.
Themes
media
communication
professionalism
Mood
defensive
determined
Type
practical
advisory
When to use this quote
- press conferences
- career launches
- media training
- public speaking
Key Concepts
interview dynamics
public perception
Questions to Reflect On
- How can you steer a hostile interview?
- What strategies protect your message?
A Different Perspective
Not all interviewers are ill‑intentioned; some are inexperienced.
