Jodi Picoult

Jodi PicoultJodi Picoult is the author of many bestselling novels including Sing You HomeMy Sister's Keeper, and The Pact. 

What is your method for overcoming writer’s block?

I don't buy into writer's block. I think it is for people who have time on their hands. If you don't, you sit down and you write. Period.

What are your favorite or most helpful writing prompts?

I used to like to write an argument from the first person point of view of each character, one at a time. I also loved: Write a narrative as an ice cream truck driver...who hates kids.

What is the most valuable advice you received as a young writer?

My mentor, Mary Morris, taught me that I wasn't nearly as great a writer as I thought I was. If not for her, I wouldn't have challenged myself—and kept challenging myself—until I was where I am today.