Whit Porter asked Olen Steinhauer:

Could you describe your writing process a bit? Outline? When do you let your drafts be read? By whom? What are the most helpful/important things your editor does for your work?

Olen Steinhauer I don't outline at all. I have an idea--something that can fit on a cocktail napkin--and then I start from the beginning. Because I don't know where I'm headed, it's a very slow process (a year or more usually), and I edit and throw away as I work my way through that first draft. The result is that I don't really write first drafts.

If I'm feeling very insecure about a book (I often do) I show 100-200 page sections to my agent, who gives her input. I discuss storylines with my wife for her thoughts. Only when I'm finished do I share it with my editor. She always has notes, and they're always useful.

The most important thing my editor does is to read in my manuscripts what *I* want to do with the book, rather than trying to graft what she wants onto the book. It's a crucial talent not all editors have.

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