Writing a five paragraph essay for a high school class is daunting; how do you get started writing a  book of several hundred pages?
First and foremost, I think of a character. I think about what makes him or her different than everyone else? What do they dream about? What is important to them? Once I have a character, I create a concept for the story. I know this sounds weird, but I don’t know how to write short stories, so when I write, I just know, I have to show enough of the character’s life in order to give the reader a feeling of emotional satisfaction. What drives the book, is the desire to touch another human being on the deepest most fathomless levels. I hope I have accomplished that.

Do you “schedule” time to write?
I’m not the most disciplined writer, so I would have to say no. For me, writing occurs naturally and constantly–but in my head. I hear a constant dialogue of characters in my head talking to each other. Actually sitting down to write out my thoughts is exhausting to me, and I put it off for as long as possible. Usually, I spend a year thinking of the story, writing notes, and when I sit down to write it chapter by chapter, I usually complete writing it within one to three months if working consistently. It requires not socializing AT ALL. Writing every free moment of every day until it is done.

My ideas are drawn from everyday life. My characters are unusual, because they’re a mirror of how unusual I am. As an example,after having a complete nervous breakdown in 2001, I was diagnosed as having Bipolar II Disorder and Chronic Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. Poisoning Sylvie is about a woman who suffers from toxophobia, which is a form of PTSD. She’s tired of feeling different from others, and uses a dual identity to live as though she had never been diagnosed with anything.

What’s your process? Outline? Just start writing?
I usually have notes, almost like journal entries which I keep. I write a loose outline, just a sentence or two per chapter–but this does not mean I’ll stick to the outline. An outline just gives me a basic idea of where I would like the story to go. As I am actually writing it, the characters experience things I didn’t know were going to happen. I become an observer like everyone else. Books almost seem to write themselves when you love the characters.

Do you like to get feedback during the process or do you finish a first draft and then get feedback?
I find it difficult if not impossible to verbalize what it is I am thinking before it is written down, so I would say  I finish a draft, then ask for feedback.

Do you know how your book will end when you start writing?
I know the emotions I want the reader to feel at the end. I don’t know which form those emotions will take, or which characters will be present in the end, but I know the books  I remember most are books which leave my heart feeling full.

Is writing cathartic for you? How so? For instance, sometimes I give despicable characters names with the same initials as people in real life that have been mean to me:(  Same for good characters and good people in my life:)
Yes. It is healing in a powerful way. I think we are all so hard on ourselves, and we need to start helping one another to learn a healthier, kinder inner dialogue–the sort of dialogue which fortifies a person’s soul. Emotionally healthy individuals make an emotionally healthy society, and that has profound effects on the WORLD. I write to be an emotionally healthier person, and I try to write stories which urge people to believe in themselves and their dreams. I really believe art has the ability to heal others. Plus, when you can direct thoughts into a character, they are no longer personal, and are easier to analyze and understand.

How long does it take you to complete a book?
It depends upon the book. I once wrote a historical novel (which I have not tried publishing) which took ten years to complete. I spent two years researching the 1920′s and 1930′s, and eight years writing. I wrote that between ages 15-25. Since my late twenties my average novel takes about a year and a half to complete.

Everyone has a story–can anyone write a book?  What’s the number two thing you have to have (a story being no. 1)?Anyone who wishes to write a book should be urged to do so, it’s a fantastic goal to have. However, for those determined to finish the book, you need to remember, writing is work, and there will be moments when you don’t want to write. There will be days when you would rather accept that dinner invitation or eat popcorn and watch a DVD. The number two thing you have to have to write a book is passion for your subject matter. No matter what it is you write, whether it be fiction or non-fiction, your energy will be in your words. Some part of you is going to stay among these sentences, and when readers take hold of your book, they will feel it. If you’re bored, your writing will be boring. If you’re passionate, it will be passionate.

You may find the complete interview at: www.Qmuze.com