I’m often asked how I work. I write first thing in the morning, often beginning before dawn. I’ll break at 8:00 or so to dress and have breakfast, then return to my desk. I’ll carry on as long as the demands of life will allow, which is usually until noon. I write on computer, but edit on the page (“hard copy”), then transfer my changes to the computer file.
I try to allow a good amount of time between drafts, so that when I read it through again, I will see it afresh.
A novel will go through at least eight drafts. It takes time—lots of time—to uncover the emotional true heart of a story.
