Part 40 (1/2)

Where do you go for inspiration?

When I begin to think about writing a new book, I see story possibilities everywhere. My mind and imagination are suddenly open to all the universe has to offer. I devour newspapers and magazines, watch movies, go to art museums, talk to people and even listen in on conversations in restaurants (not intentionally-I just can't help myself when I'm in story-gathering mode!). The story that ultimately arises from all of this is a composite of so many different ideas that I can rarely recall the initial inspiration.

What one piece of advice would you give to a writer wanting to start a career?

First, study the craft of writing. I have read many ma.n.u.scripts in which the idea is brilliant, but the writing is so poor that I know it stands no chance of ever being published, which is heartbreaking. Read as much as you can so that you understand how stories are told. What draws you in? What keeps you interested? Take a cla.s.s and share your writing with others to get feedback. Finally, get out and live your life so you have experiences to write about. Writers often tend to be introverts who like to closet themselves away, but we really do need the stimulation of being part of the world in order to understand people and the situations they get themselves into.

You have a master's degree in social work, and worked as a youth counsellor and in the field of medical social work, as well as having a private psychotherapy practice. How does this background inform and influence your work?

My background helps me understand how people ”tick.” It also gives me a deep appreciation of the struggle people face as they try to cope with tragedy. I loved being a social worker and love being a writer. I feel lucky to have had two careers that let me touch people in a positive way.

How did you feel when your first book was signed?

It's impossible to explain the joy I felt that day! It had been a long time coming, and the realisation that my story would finally reach readers was simply amazing and very rewarding. I called my family and my writer friends. It was exciting...However, the book wasn't actually published for a very long two and a half years!

Where do your characters come from and do they ever surprise you as you write?

They surprise me all the time! I love creating characters and breathing life into them. I want them to be both believable and memorable to my readers, and I spend much of my writing time getting to know them. When I was a clinical social worker, I took a seminar on hypnotherapy. During that training, I not only thought about how useful the techniques I was learning would be for my psychotherapy clients, but how they could help me understand my characters as well. In the beginning, I approached using this new tool in a very formal way. I'd sit in a comfortable chair with a pad and pen, put myself in a light trance, and imagine I was the character. Then I'd start writing about ”my” life, in the first person, from the character's point of view. I didn't censor myself, but simply let the words flow. As my subconscious took over, I learned things about my character I never would have come up with consciously. It's an astonis.h.i.+ng experience and often full of surprises. If I'm I'm surprised by what happens, I'm quite sure my readers will be as well. Our subconscious minds are amazing things if we just tap into them. Now that the technique is second nature to me, I often use it when I'm feeling perplexed by, or simply out of touch with, a character. I close my eyes and ask her to tell me what's going on with her, or perhaps how she's feeling about another character in the story. Sometimes the answers I receive are pure gold. surprised by what happens, I'm quite sure my readers will be as well. Our subconscious minds are amazing things if we just tap into them. Now that the technique is second nature to me, I often use it when I'm feeling perplexed by, or simply out of touch with, a character. I close my eyes and ask her to tell me what's going on with her, or perhaps how she's feeling about another character in the story. Sometimes the answers I receive are pure gold.

Which book do you wish you had written?

E.B. White's Charlotte's Web Charlotte's Web, and not only because I would now be very wealthy! I have always loved that children's book and it was an early inspiration in my longing to write. It's a beautifully crafted book and a lovingly told story.

Do you have a favourite character that you've created and what is it you like about that character?

I have many favourites, but CeeCee from The Lost Daughter The Lost Daughter is definitely one of them. I like that she's a blend of vulnerability and strength. I think many readers can relate to those qualities in her. I also like that, despite the fact that she's done something very is definitely one of them. I like that she's a blend of vulnerability and strength. I think many readers can relate to those qualities in her. I also like that, despite the fact that she's done something very wrong wrong, she's still a person with high moral standards. It's that conflict that forces her to make a devastating choice at the end of the book, and it's that conflict that truly humanises her.

A WRITER'S LIFE Paper and pen or straight onto the computer?

Both. I often start with paper and pen, and then hit a certain point when ideas are coming too quickly for me to keep up. That's when I move to the computer.

PC or laptop?

Both. I am more comfortable working on my PC because I love my big monitor and ergonomic keyboard. But I also love working in coffee shops, so my laptop is a must.

Music or silence?