Goodreads asked Sheila Sobel:

How do you get inspired to write?

Sheila Sobel I listen. I observe. I take mental notes. When I see something or hear something that sparks a creative thought, I do my best to remember it until I can write it down. These days, with everyone using their cell phones in public, oblivious to the world around them, it is easy to listen in because there is no way to get away from it! Standing at the deli counter in my local market always provides at least 50% of one or two interesting conversations; it’s great for either dialogue or character development.

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