A number of people have written to me over the years, and now lately with this blog, asking if I’ve ever considered writing a sequel to any of my novels.  They ask it about a book they particularly like, and I’m always pleased to hear they liked it. » read more »

Whenever I want to write a book, I am obliged (by contract) to submit an outline to my publisher first.  My editor reads it, decides if she likes the idea, the premise, and the story I describe in a 40 or 50 page outline, that is supposed to include the characters, plot, and details of the book, broken down by chapter.  The fact that I have to do that always surprises people.  They assume that after all the books I’ve written (107 to date), I can just write whatever I want, send it off, and my publishers are thrilled.  That’s not how it works in real life, or not mine anyway.  (I used to have to submit several sample chapters or even half the book.  Now I just have to submit the outline).  The editor then calls me or writes to me, and makes lots of comments about what they don’t like, want changed, or what doesn’t work.  And if I don’t agree with those changes, I have to defend my point of view.  But on the whole, they call the shots.  They’re buying the book, they write the check, and sometimes they have some good ideas (or sometimes I strongly defend my point of view if it differs from theirs). » read more »