Goodreads asked Susan Mullen:

How do you get inspired to write?

Susan Mullen For Tornadoes, I got inspired to write when I figured out what Cath's letter should say. Michael and I wrote the novel by swapping letters between the characters, and we didn't discuss or plan out the letters in advance. In other words, each time I received the updated manuscript from Michael with a new Scott letter attached, it was like receiving a letter in the mail -- I had no idea what the latest Scott letter would say. I would usually print out the latest letter, together with 6 or 7 of the most recent letters between the characters, and read them over with a few questions in mind: How would Cath respond to Scott's letter? Are there characters or story lines that I need to address and move along? What is happening in Cath's life that would be interesting to the reader? How to provide color and context within the confines of a letter? Once I'd figured out what I wanted to write, then I was psyched to find time to sit down and write.

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