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

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

Janeka wrote: "Jodi,
I read 'Vanishing Acts' in my early teens and was really moved by the story; I can say it was the book that made me want to start reading 'adult books' :)
I'm just curious, since 5 of your bo..."

It's a very different skill set. I won't say no, but right now, I don't have the time.
Jodi

Carrie wrote: "Hi Jodi,
I have read many of your books and like the multiple character narration. I think it's a very effective tool in establishing the reader - character bond. With that said, I found the narrat..."

I don't write sequels -- I just bring back characters whose stories haven't been told yet!

Jodi

Sherilyn wrote: "Jodi,
Where do you get your inspiration for your novels?
Also, what advice would you give to a young, budding author? How do you get past writer's block?"

I've answered some of these already, but as for writer's block - I don't believe in it. It's for people who have too much time on their hands. If you don't have time, you park your butt in a chair and write. You can always edit a bad page but not a blank page.

Jodi

Brittany wrote: "I would like to ask why the ending to 'My Sister's Keeper' was changed so dramatically from the book to the movie adaptation."

Great question - because the director lied to me. He told me it was the right ending, and he changed it, and to this day never has been able to explain why. I do think that compromised the story. It was a good movie. But a great book.

Jodi

Ynna wrote: "Hi Ms Jodi! I'm Ynna from the Philippines. I am a huge fan! I started reading your novels when I was around fourteen. I've read almost all your books since then.:)Anyway, this is my question. How m..."

9!
Jodi

B.B. wrote: "Hi Jodi! In your novel, "Lone Wolf," the idea about a man living with wolves came before you were aware that such a person existed. So, how did the original idea come about?"

The original idea came from a neurologist and was about traumatic brain injury, actually!

Jodi

Debbie wrote: "Hi Jodi, I have read every single one of your books and pre-order every new book so i receive it the day it is released. My main question is how you come up with the main conflict (and surprise/tw..."

I don't know how the conflict comes up for me, mostly by percolating and mulling over a topic!
Jodi

Allison wrote: "Hi Jodi,
How do you figure out how to start your books?

I am always so impressed by your first couple of sentences. I go back and reread them after I finish the book to see what foreshadowing wa..."

I do a ton of research, and it swirls in my head like a hurricane, and then touches down in a first line. It has to be something that makes me want to keep reading.

Jodi

Janice wrote: "Hi Jodi! My name is Janice Dowdy and I have read a lot of your books. I think my favorite is The Pact. Did you consider the two women staying friends at the end or did you always want them to go th..."

Don't go by the movie - it wasn't very good :)
I always thought they'd go their separate ways!
Jodi

Amanda wrote: "Hello Jodi! I love all of your books, especially The Pact, but I'll just get to the point. My mother is aspiring to become a writer, I'm a writer myself actually, I know, I'm only sixteen, doesn't ..."

See above for publishing advice...
I write several drafts of my books - usually about 6 or 7!

Jodi

Lisa wrote: "Hi Jodi,
I have been to book groups where you have talked about your research in writing your books, particularly your research into Change of Heart.
How much research was involved in this book in ..."

There was a ton of research for this book -- I spoke with multiple Holocaust survivors, as well as a historian from the US Holocaust Memorial Museum, and the director of the HRSP from the Dept. of Justice who tracks down former Nazis. It was a remarkable, emotional, difficult, inspiring ride.

Jodi

Etta wrote: "I hope to one day get some of my writing published. I already write many short stories, poems, and novels. Do you have any advice?"

Take a writing workshop course - it will help you learn to give and get criticism. Read. And know that you will have to find an agent and likely will face rejection in the process. But this business rewards those who do not give up.
Jodi

Kelley wrote: "Hi Jodi! Im a huge fan from your area I have read alll your books :) I was wondering if you were planning on doing any book signings locally?
Would love to go to one :)
THank you for all the great..."

My website has all my local appearances :)

Jodi

B.B. wrote: "Hi Jodi! My wife and I enjoy your books. Thanks! We have some questions, so here they go! 1)If you compared your earlier writing to your present, how would you describe your growth as a writer? 2)A..."

1. I think I am a better technical writer now that 20 years ago. I can describe a metaphor in 5 words, not 20.
2. Font changes help some readers remember a new character is speaking. That was my idea and my publisher embraced it.
3. I hope I will continue to write -- it is sometimes hard to do so in the face of snarky critiques from reviewers who just don't like commercial fiction, but I'm lucky enough to have great fans who are incredibly supportive!
Jodi

Kelly wrote: "Hi Jodi!
I was just wondering how you think your experiences as a mother influenced your writing, and whether you think this made it harder to write about the particularly troubling times teenagers..."

Being a mom has guided all that I write about. I tend to address my worst fears as a parent - all the things that can go wrong. It's a little superstitious -- if I write about it, maybe it won't happen for real!

Jodi

Jessica wrote: "Hello, Jodi! My name is Jessica and I love your books. And I have a few questions:
1. Which book was your favorite to write and why?
2. Of the characters you've created, which one is your favorite ..."

1. Second Glance - great research, unique topic
2. Patrick Ducharme (got a crush on him) and Jacob Hunt (great voice)

Jodi

Nat wrote: "Hi Jodi,
Have read My Sister's Keeper and about to read Keeping Faith, not sure if this has been asked before, but I am seeing more and more authors using music as inspiration for their characters ..."

I actually can't listen to music when I write. I get too distracted! But as you can tell from Sing You Home, I think music is a great way to tell a story, too.

Jodi

Kelsey wrote: "Hi Jodi, huge fan! I've been to a couple of your readings and am anxiously awaiting another one next month for The Storyteller (and excited to pick up a copy tomorrow!) I just wanted to know how mu..."

See above, Kelsey - I answered this one :)
Jodi

Dara wrote: "Like everyone else here, I have been a huge fan since I picked up my first of your books (Nineteen Minutes) and have been to several of your book signings in the Chicago area, driving nearly 4 hour..."

I try to espouse different povs through different narrators, so you can then take all the facts and make your own decisions.

Jodi

Tonja wrote: "My daughter - my only child - died last year. I have always been able to write - now, I am stuck. What do you find useful to help work through painful events and include the emotions of such in y..."

I am so sorry for your loss, Tonja. I had a writing prof who said you have to wait till the dinosaurs become oil before you write about it...What she meant is that when a tragedy is still raw, it affects us so deeply that we can't create from that source until the pain dulls a bit. So just sit tight. It will come back.

Jodi