Savannah
asked
Jeff Zentner:
Hi Jeff. How do you get to know your characters? Is it via fleshing out their backstory prior to writing the book or do their stories emerge as you write? Thank you!
Jeff Zentner
Before I ever start writing, I invite my characters into my head for a good 3-4 months, during which time I just listen to them talking with each other and telling me about themselves. I only start writing when I know my characters so well it's like they're telling me their story and I'm just writing it down.
More Answered Questions
Karim
asked
Jeff Zentner:
I totally fell in love with The Serpent King and I just received my copy of Goodbye Days yesterday evening. What does it take to write a good book? How do you approach writing a book?My dream's to be a writer.I am currently trying to write something but I'm not sure if it's good enough or not. What makes a book so good that readers get attached to it that much(like your books)?? CAN'T WAIT TO READ GOODBYE DAYS!!!
A Goodreads user
asked
Jeff Zentner:
How do you keep from getting heartbroken when someone writes negatively about your work?
Linda Robertson
asked
Jeff Zentner:
My best girlfriend & I devoured The Serpent King and are now reading - and thoroughly loving - The Goodbye Days. We are both moms in our 50's who have lost children and so you what you have to say about grief is especially compelling to us. Can I ask why you have dealt with grief in both of your books? Your portrayals seem far too accurate to be simply observations of grief in others...
About Goodreads Q&A
Ask and answer questions about books!
You can pose questions to the Goodreads community with Reader Q&A, or ask your favorite author a question with Ask the Author.
See Featured Authors Answering Questions
Learn more