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

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

Debbie wrote: "I always look forward to reading your books, Jodi! You’ve written about so many diverse topics – faith healers, school shootings, organ transplants, same sex relationships, and on and on. I’m won..."

I work solo. I don't even have a secretary. If I did she would be typing now!
Jodi

Christine wrote: "Hey Jodi


What's your favorite color and song and movie and food and season?"

Blue, spring, chocolate...Too many songs and movies I love!
Jodi

Maureen wrote: "The first book I read of yours was The Pact. It haunted me for weeks because I couldn't figure out how I really felt, which position I would take. Your books present 2 sides to every story, and ..."

Yes, it's something I have to actively strive for!

Jodi

Christine wrote: "Hey Jodi


What are your plans for spring and summer?"

Book tour. Then writing,
Jodi

Sarah wrote: "Hi Jodi, thanks for doing this question and answer!

I've loved your books since I was given Perfect Match / My Sister's Keeper / The Pact for Christmas when I was 13. I'm now 23 and I've read (and..."

GONE WITH THE WIND
Jodi

Natalie wrote: "Hi jodi
Love love love your books. My sisters keeper was the first one i read and thrn i was hooked but am wondering why the movie ending was so different. I loved the film all the way through to t..."

I hope so. Right now House Rules is being developed as a possible TV series.

Jodi

Jessica wrote: "Hi Jodi,

Firstly I just have to say how much I enjoy your novels. They are so thought provoking and I always finish with deep thoughts on the topic.

The first of your novels I read was Sing you..."

Ellen does still have the movie rights. Not much has been done with it yet. I'm hopeful, but feel free to tell her to get cracking!

Jodi

Carolyn wrote: "Hi Jodi. I've read most of your books - the only ones I haven't had the opportunity to read yet are Change of Heart and The Storyteller. I'm in awe of the way you place your readers firmly into the..."

I bake!

Jodi

Akylina wrote: "Hello Jodi,

I'm Akylina, currently an English majoring University student. Both me and my mom are fans of your work and your brilliant books have been gracing our shelves for some years now. We al..."

I get negative feedback ALL THE TIME. It's really hard, sometimes, to read a critic's opinion and wonder if they even read the book, based on their comments. I hear a lot that I am "formulaic" because I have multiple narrators or a twist in the plot. I would argue ALL writers are formulaic, from Jane Austen to Jonathan Franzen. But for some reason, critics like to call me out on that as a pejorative. I try very hard to challenge myself when I write, to not write the same book twice, and to create a good story that teaches something. If that's a formula, okay, so be it. These comments DO get under my skin, I won't lie. But I'm fortunate to have thousands of fans who say otherwise, and make me remember why I love doing what I do.

Jodi

Anke wrote: "Hi Jodi,

I'm Anke from Germany and I'm a huge fan of yours. I have read most of your books and love them. I love the way you draw me into a story within the first pages and keep me there until the..."

Stay tuned. In the next year, I hope!
Jodi

Suma wrote: "Hi Jodi,

My name is Suma and I read two of your books, My Sister's Keeper and Handle with Care. Your stories are very real and I could relate to them at a personal level. I look forward to reading..."

How lucky my life has been.
Jodi

Malvina wrote: "I'd like to ask Jodi how difficult it was for her to write The Storyteller. I found it difficult to read, because of the intense and terrible subject matter. To have researched all that, then 'stay..."

I am fortunate when writing tough stories to be able to leave my office and spend time with a happy, healthy family. That helps A LOT.

Jodi

Breigh wrote: "Hi Jodi:D my name is Breigh Williams and i'm 16. One of your books made me ache The Pact
I wanted to ask, How did you come up with this plot/story??? It's very heat breaking and made me angry at ti..."

When I was an English teacher I had a suicidal girl in my class. I had her writing in a journal and talking about it daily, to help her. I never forgot what it was like to be a lifeline for someone, and wanted to write a book about that.
Jodi

Minttu wrote: "Hi Jodi. I'm Minttu from Finland. I have read My Sister's Keeper, Salem Falls and 19 Minutes this far and am eagerly waiting to get my hands on The Storyteller.

I find it interesting how my perce..."

I am usually editing a book while actively writing another. I don't mind editing but it's not as good as writing!

Jodi

Samantha wrote: "Hi Jodi, I was introduced to your books when I was fifteen, living in a children's home and going through a very difficult time in my life. I can honestly say that your books were one of the few th..."

I haven't thought about writing that. But YOU could -- and I bet it would be great!
Jodi

Faye wrote: "Hi Jodi, will your new book be available on e-books. Do you like your work being on ebooks. I find that the ebooks are great because it doesn't matter how big a book is I can still carry it with me..."

I like ebooks and have a Kindle myself. I'm just glad that people are reading!
Jodi

Marsha wrote: "I'm new to Goodreads and this is my first discussion group. I've enjoyed so many of your books.How do you pick a topic to write about? How was it to write with your daughter? My last question Jodi,..."

My favorite writer is Alice Hoffman!

Jodi

Rawan wrote: "Hey Jodi!
Reading your books is my greatest of hobbies, using them as inspiration for a sixteen year old like me to write is only a normal consequence. Keep dazzling us!
Now my question is: I've al..."

I had over 100 rejections from agents. The woman who took me on is still my agent 25 years later. The moral of the story is: don't give up. Publishing rewards those who stick it out.

Jodi

Canread4eva wrote: "Hi Jodi,
I don't have time to write, but I always have ideas. I also don't know how to put them onto a page. Do you have any advice? I also find it hard because my brother has won awards for writin..."

You have to just sit down and do it. You're being crippled by doubt, and that is a REALLY bad thing for a writer. You have believe in yourself, or who else will?

jodi

Tanya wrote: "Hi Jodi,

I am a huge fan of your books! My favorite is "The Pact". The first book I ever read that you wrote was "My Sister's Keeper" when I was 15 and I was hooked! When your books are made into ..."

Nope.
Jodi