Jodi Picoult is one of the best selling authors today, both in the US and internationally. She's published more than 20 novels, all that deal with cutting-edge topics, and many of which have been best sellers. In this interview, she talks about her characters, her research, and future books she'd like to write. We hope you enjoy.
What did you most get out of this interview that you could apply to your own writing? Do you have a favorite Jodi Picoult novel?
Welcome to Monday at the Movies, a monthly event on Novel Matters. The featured author this month is Amy Tan. Since we like concise writing, we also like concise movies. Featured interviews with authors will always be 5 minutes or less but pack a definite punch for developing writers.
Amy Tan is the author of The Joy Luck Club, The Kitchen God's Wife, The Hundred Secret Senses, The Bonesetter's Daughter, The Opposite of Fate: Memories of a Writing Life, and two children's cooks, "The Moon Lady" and "Sagwa," which has now been adapted as a PBS production.
She's a very prolific, talented, and entertaining woman. You'll enjoy hearing from her.
In this interview, Amy talks about writing from personal experience.
Do you write from personal experience? Do your life experience, ethnicity, or sex influence your story choices? Tell us about the tradition of storytelling in your family. Have you adapted family or personal stories into fiction? Do you have a favorite Amy Tan novel?
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Praise for Novel Matters Authors
Lying on Sunday: "Sharon has created a character so vivid and real you'll feel as though you've stepped into Abbie Torrington's life. You don't want to miss this beautiful story of healing and grace" Virginia Smith, author of Age Before Beauty.
The Feast of Saint Bertie: "A story-feast from the get-go! The Feast of Saint Bertie is a surprising, engaging, unique story that will challenge readers to rethink what it means to be a Christ-follower in today's crazy, materialistic culture. With vivid characters, unconventional settings, and a beautifully unfolding plot, this book is the kind that will stay with you, like the fond memory of a great meal."~Mary E. DeMuth, author of Watching the Tree Limbs and Wishing on Dandelions.
Talking to the Dead: “It isn’t often that I get so hooked on the characters and story that I forget time and purpose. Talking to the Dead caught hold of my heart from page one. It takes a gifted and intuitive writer like Bonnie to bring humor into the middle of such a serious story. Call her the Jodi Piccoult of Christian fiction! Beautifully done! I can’t wait to read the next story she writes.” ~Francine Rivers, bestselling author of Redeeming Love
Latter Day Cipher: "Latter-Day Cipher involves the reader not only in a page-turning murder mystery, but also in the struggles of those who must face their own shaken beliefs. A former faithful Mormon, author Scott is sympathetic to those struggles, and attempts to look compassionately at the process of making the hard decision to change."—Sandra Furlong Christian Retailing (Latter Day Cipher is a "top pick" March 2009)
Tuesday Night at the Blue Moon: "An unusual plotline and top-notch prose mark this talented novelist’s debut...competent dialogue, touches of humor, and sparkling character dynamics make this a welcome addition to the faith fiction fold." --Publishers Weekly
The Queen of Sleepy Eye: “Few stories are able to portray both the crushing cost of sin and the transforming power of grace. The Queen of Sleepy Eye succeeds brilliantly. Patti Hill crafts each word with beauty and artistry.” Sharon Hinck, author of Stepping into Sunlight
