Also in Writing Magazine (see previous post), there was a brief interview with Jack Gantos, author of the young adult memoir, "Hole in My Life." One question was what he does to get ready to write a new book. He said,
"When I get ready to write a book I try to find about ten books to read that I think will be helpful--perhaps they are full of characters that I find inspiring, or a setting I find engaging, or themes or problems that I find fascinating and will help me think through my story. Then I make sure to get a new notebook. I usually find a new ink color I like for my favorite fountain pen. I set writing goals--so I can feel some progress on the project. I make sure to do a lot of physical exercises so I feel prepared to sit all day long. And then I allow nothing to stop me--especially my own excuses to do something other than write."
