Monica Bhide One of the major privileges of my job as a writer is the ability to connect with some of the world’s best writers. David Baldacci needs no introduction to lovers of heart-pounding fiction – he has written sixteen novels ( Absolute Power, Total Control, The Winner, The Simple Truth, Saving Faith, Wish You Well, Last Man Standing, The Christmas Train, Split Second, Hour Game, The Camel Club, The Collectors, Simple Genius, and Stone Cold; and in his young adult series, Freddy and the French Fries: Fries Alive! and Freddy and the French Fries: The Adventures of Silas Finklebean.) And although he does not know this, he has – made me miss my metro stop 4 times, caused me to stay awake countless nights wanting to read just one more page, made me forget to go for a haircut and, once, even forgo a dinner party.
His work is flawless and just when you think he cannot get any better, out he comes with the next book! Here is a tiny Q&A with the genius behind the pen –
Q. Why do you write?
A. I write because I’m a reader. I remember reading as a kid and being enthralled by wonderous stories and people and places all over the world. I knew I wanted to give that gift to others– the sheer joy of reading.
Q. How long does it take for you to write a book?
A. I do a great deal of research for my books. A novel takes me approximaty 12-15 months. I start with the research and then make a mini outline of about 4 pages. Then I let the story purculate in my mind as the words come.
Q. What are your top three tips for aspiring writers?
A.My top three bits of wisdom for aspiring writers:
* Keep at it and don’t give up. Working on a large project like a novel can be daunting so a writer has to be patient and relentless.
* Believe in your work. You know your work better than everyone. And if you feel confident about your work, that will show in the pages.
* Write not so much about what you know but what you’re interested in.
If you are interest in learning about it then the pages will usually reflect that passion.
