A Goodreads user asked Maria Alexander:

Is your process different for writing a novel than it is for poetry and short stories?

Maria Alexander Absolutely, although it's closer to my short story process. I spend more time planning structure, researching and developing characters before writing a book. My characters drive the plot, so I have a really good idea who they are before I even start. Generally with short stories I know the ending and something about the protagonist, but not always more than that before I start writing. I very often don't need to research for my short stories because they tend to be more autobiographical.

Poetry is another creature altogether. Almost always I have a snapshot in my mind – an image, vivid and emotional. The words and structure flow from that. And those images come during intensely emotional moments. I'm not as disciplined about my poetry those other forms of storytelling. I can go years without writing a single poem, and then suddenly – a cataract.

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