Did you find during this pandemic, easier to write? I know that all of us have a lot on our minds and was wondering it this made it more difficult in your writing process.

Thanks for the question, Dot! Yeah, writing during the pandemic has been challenging. I’m a naturally anxious person, so with all that’s happening in the world, that’s been magnified by a million! That said, writing has been a huge help. Writing is what I do – what brings me comfort and joy and satisfaction (and allows me to escape the real world for a while!) so being able to turn to it has been wonderful. I do find my attention span is a lot shorter these days, so I’ve had to work with that – I take more breaks and write in short sprints. I also don’t let myself read (or listen to) the news during the first half of the day so I can keep my head clear for creative work. I used to always turn on NPR to listen to the news while drinking my coffee each morning. These days, I turn on the classical music station while I do my morning notes and journaling – much better for my sanity and creativity!

I love showing writing students the pics you post on Instagram of all your note cards spread out as you work through your books. Has that always been your process or has it changed much over the years? How has your writing process evolved?

It makes me so happy to hear you share my pics of index cards with your writing students, Noelle! I’ve been using index cards for brainstorming and outlining for a long time now, but not since the very beginning. My process is always evolving. I try out new things and if they help, I’ll stick with them. I’m always looking for new ways to boost creativity and output. I never used to outline at all, and now I start with a bare bones outline (using index cards, of course!) and I’ve found that having this basic framework helps a lot. I’ve also recently started doing a mini outline for each chapter on an index card before I sit down to write it – that way I’m less likely to get stuck. Your question has inspired me -- I think I’ll do a blog post here about the ways I use index cards! Thanks!

I love all your books. You keep getting better and better. Please keep them coming. can't wait for next one is April

Thanks you so much, Dixie! So happy you've enjoyed the books!

Thanks you so much, Dixie! So happy you've enjoyed the books!