Samantha

Samantha asked Jennifer A. Nielsen:

Hi Ms.Nielsen, I wanna know where you come up with the ideas for your books. Does it just come to you like "I think I'm gonna write about that." Or is it more like, "So I've been thinking about this for 3 weeks, and I'm gonna write a book about this."?

Jennifer A. Nielsen Hi Samantha - I believe that story ideas are everywhere around us: in the news, our dreams, in music, in conversations we have, and people we pass on the street. The trick is just to learn how to see the ideas, and once you do, to begin asking questions about what you see until story begins to emerge. So the next time you pass an interesting looking person on the street, ask yourself what their story is, what secret they are keeping, and what they are struggling with right now. See what begins to happen then within your imagination!

More Answered Questions

Grace

Grace asked Jennifer A. Nielsen:

Jennifer, your books are amazing! Anyway, I was wondering if you would self-publish your books instead of traditional publishing them if you had the chance to do so. Also, do you know of any good writing competitions? Thanks.

Jennifer

Jennifer asked Jennifer A. Nielsen:

Hi! I love reading your books! In Resistance, I understood the feelings Chaya was having. You write in a way that make readers feel like they were actually there! I understood how the Resistance groups acted during World War 2. You are my ultimate favorite author!!! Just one question: Have you ever consider having book signings in south Canada? I am your biggest fan!!!!!

Liza Lysko

Liza Lysko asked Jennifer A. Nielsen:

How do you find diversity in your characters? I’ve realized I only use my same basic personalities that I fall back on (jock, nerd, hero, shy kid, etc.) How do I create meaningful, loveable characters, and not have them all be the same?

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Jennifer A. Nielsen

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