Great column in The Guardian titled, WHY I WRITE. Their most recent interview was with Jodi Picoult. Here is a look at the interview.
What was your favourite book as a child?
Gone with the Wind by Margaret Mitchell, because it made me want to be a writer and create a world out of words.
When you were growing up did you have books in your home?
Yes – we went to the library every few days, and in fact, my first job was as an assistant in the local library. Self fulfilling prophecy?
Was there someone who got you interested in reading or writing?
My mother, who encouraged me to write, and my 11th grade English teacher, Ed Ehmann, who encouraged me to study creative writing in college.
What made you want to write when you were starting out?
I honestly can’t remember NOT writing.
What makes you want to write now?
The fact that there are so many questions I don’t have answers for – the act of writing a book for me is a way to explore those.
What preparation do you do before writing?
None – I have three kids, so I grab whatever time I’ve got!
Do you have a daily routine when you are writing?
I get up at 5:30, go for a three mile walk with a friend, then come home, shower, get the kids off to school, and sit down at my computer. I keep working until 3:30, when I magically become a mom again.
How do you survive being alone in your work so much of the time?
Ah, but I’m not! My book tours last three months, and believe me, I’m RARELY alone during that time. It all evens out!
What was the best piece of advice given to you?
Yes, you can.
What advice would you give to new writers?
Carve out a bit of time every day to write, and make sure you do it – and nothing but that – even when you don’t feel very motivated. Read a ton. Take a workshop course so you learn to give and get criticism. When you’re stuck, and sure you’ve written absolutely garbage, force yourself to finish and THEN decide to fix or scrap it – or you will never know if you can.
Is there a secret to writing?
Yes – everyone has a book inside of them – but it doesn’t do any good until you pry it out.
What are you working on now?
My 2010 book, which is about a teenager with Asperger’s Syndrome.
