Some of the most important advice on creative writing I've gotten not from articles or books, but from talking with published novelists. The following interviews cover a range of topics, from literary fiction to chick lit, from plot to character development.
Vikram Chandra's Sacred Games
© Melanie Abrams
Acclaimed novelist Vikram Chandra discusses organized crime in contemporary India, how fiction shapes our perceptions of reality, and his habit of discovering -- and working with -- patterns in nature and narrative.
Mystery Writer Sandra Balzo
Image courtesy of Sandra Balzo
It took six years for Sandra Balzo to publish her first book, but since those years of struggle and rejection, she's become a successful, award-winning author. What was the secret of her success?
Alicia Erian on Towelhead
Image courtesy of Alicia Erian
Alicia Erian, author of the novel, Towelhead, about a Lebanese-American girl sent to live with her father in Houston, talks about writing fiction that moves, creating a successful voice, and the joys of shopping.
Jasper Fforde: How I Write
Used with permission of Jasper Fforde
Jasper Fforde, author of the Thursday Next and the Nursery Crime series, explains how he brings his books to life.
Daniel Handler, aka Lemony Snicket
© 2005 Ginny Wiehardt, licensed to About.com, Inc.
The man behind the popular Lemony Snicket books, A Series of Unfortunate Events, talks about writing irony for children, his books for adults, and playing the accordion.
Short Story Writer and Novelist Alix Ohlin
Photo © Joanne Chan.
Short story writer and novelist Alix Ohlin talks about the process of writing The Missing Person and Babylon and Other Stories, craft issues such as plot and dialogue (offering a few favorite exercises), and the challenges of self-promotion.
Chick-Lit Author Stephanie Lessing on Writing and Publicity
© Avon Books
Stephanie Lessing, author of She's Got Issues, discusses writing, balancing parenthood and writing, and the challenge of promoting a new novel.
Phillip Margolin: How I Write
Luca Pioltelli
A former criminal defense attorney, novelist Phillip Margolin is known for bringing an insider's view to his detective novels, all of which have been New York Times bestsellers. Speaking as someone who had rewarding careers in two fields, he advises writers to follow his example and "find a good job and write as a hobby."
Heather O'Neill on Lullabies for Little Criminals
© Michael Crouser.
Heather O'Neill discusses her debut novel, being a mother and an author, and writing in the voice of a young girl -- specifically that of Baby, a twelve-year-old growing up in Montreal's red light district.
Kris Saknussemm and Zanesville
Kris Saknussemm
Kris Saknussemm speaks of the range of influences -- including classic literature, science fiction, and comic books -- that shaped his novel, Zanesville, "techno-theological post-American monster vaudeville," and offers advice to writers just starting out.
