Jodi’s Comments (group member since Feb 08, 2013)

Jodi’s comments from the Ask Jodi Picoult - February 27, 2013 group.

Thanks for all your questions - I hope you all enjoy THE STORYTELLER!

Jodi

M.F. wrote: "Hello Jodi

I am a huge fan of yours. The way the characters and emotions always have the reader swaying from one side to the other is fantastic. There are so many grey areas in the issues you rai..."

I do have my own opinions - I just try to keep them hidden so I don't influence yours :)

Tell your daughter to find a college with a great creative writing program where she can work with real live authors. That will be critically important.

Jodi

Shana wrote: "Hi Jodi,

I'm curious about how all the recent changes in publishing have affected you personally? Do you enjoy being more involved with the marketing and publicity and connecting personally to you..."

It is a really hard job, because you're on 24/7 and it's global. Everyone wants a little piece of you and that can be very exhausting! But - I am EXTREMELY lucky to have this problem!

Jodi

Katherine wrote: "Hi Jodi, what do you like in your free time to relax outside of writing? I'd also like to know if you be coming to Madrid, Spain for a book signing or talk anytime soon?"

I've never been to Spain - maybe one day!
Jodi

Tom wrote: "Will we see the return of Jordan McAfee anytime soon?"

Maybe!
Jodi

Sue wrote: "Hi Jodi! My name is Sue and I really enjoy reading your books. I am an avid listener, too, listening to alot of the books while I am traveling. I am wondering how you choose which of your books ..."

They'll all be coming out on audio!
Jodi

Kaila wrote: "Hi Jodi, I am one of your biggest fans. Have read every book. Just wanted to let you know that I appreciate the research you do for each one. You really make your characters come to life because of..."

The reason I tour is because I think it's important to be able to say thanks to all the readers who choose MY books. I stay very connected to readers through social media and by answered emails personally too.

Jodi

Kirby wrote: "Hello, Jodi! I'm a huge fan and really appreciate you taking the time to answer our questions.

The first thing I'm curious about is what exactly happened to the brothers after the end of House R..."

My friend Ellen Wilber and I have written seven original children's musicals. This was a different collaboration but we had a blast doing it!

Jodi

Evelyne wrote: "Hi Ms. Picoult, You are one of the very few talented, popular and prolific contemporary female writers. I am one of your unconditional fans and I know that many men read your books as well. However..."

This is a big concern for me, one I've been very vocal about. See the VIDA statistics on women and reviews in publishing. The more we speak out about it, the more accountable newspapers and review outlets have to be.
Jodi

Bethan wrote: "Hi Jodi
I aspire to be a writer/author in the future and I wanted to know, what is the best thing about being a writer?"

Getting to explore a new topic with every book!
Jodi

Heather wrote: "Hi Jodi,
I have read a handful of your books, and they been very good and will read many more!! I absolutely loved the one you wrote with your daughter Between the Lines! Was it hard to switch to ..."

It was really hard because I concurrently writing BTL and The Storyteller -which are two very different types of book!
Jodi

Aziza wrote: "Hey Jodi ! It feels great to know that you'll be reading this and possibly answering my question. I have to note that you are an exceptional author and my ultimate goal is to read all of your novel..."

Dialogue: read it out loud. Believe me, it helps.
Jodi

Inge wrote: "I have enjoyed many of Jodi's books. So far my favorite is Sing You Home :-) My questions:
- The most recent book I read was Lone Wolf. I noticed a lot of similarities to Songs of the Humpback Whal..."

He would have told them. That's the central ridiculous dilemma. Everyone is too scared to hear the answer, so no one asks.
Jodi

Andrea wrote: "Hi Jodi!!
This is kind of a silly question, because it actually has nothing to do with your writing - even though I am a huge fan, and am very excited to start your new book.
I love your hair. I..."

Ouidad Climate control!
Jodi

Charlaine wrote: "Hi Jodi!
I have been a huge fan & avid reader of your books, one of my favorites was My sister's keeper. Currently reading "Lone Wolf", which I am enjoying. Interesting facts about wolves & wolf ..."

Definitely read Shaun Ellis's book - it's listed at the end of the novel.
Jodi

Hanna wrote: "Hi Jodi,
Greetings from Germany. Looking foward to reading your newest book, it should arrive here today, yeah!
My question is - how do you manage your time?
hugs
Hanna -from Fish Tales ;-)"

Rigorously.
Jodi

Chrissy wrote: "Nineteen Minutes is my favourite book, I know there are no movie plans in the immediate future, but when they are will you let us know right away?
What are the subjects of the books are you current..."

I'm working on The Elephant Graveyard. There's an excerpt on my website :)

Jodi

Becca wrote: "Hello,
I was wondering if there was a favorite scene or line from any of your books?"

There is one line about superheroes in Second Glance that I love (but of course I'm too tired to remember it verbatim right now!)

Jodi

Ann wrote: "Hi, Everyone! I'm from mid-western Michigan, right on the lake in Grand Haven. Anyone else from this area?

Jodi,
How fun to have the chance to ask you a question here! Your novels always challeng..."

What an honor to be compared to Ann Tyler! I love her work!

Jodi

Jade wrote: "Hi Jodi (and group)...

I've been reading your books for 7 years now (since I was 14) and you are without a doubt my favourite author. I have yet to read all of your books, but my collection is on..."

Don't expect a big break. That's a fallacy. You have to work damn hard, and expect to work hard, so that you can gradually build up your fan base. If you think you will be an overnight success you are bound to be disappointed.

Jodi