When I begin writing, I have no idea what my novels are ultimately going to be about. I don't have a plot. I never consider a theme. I don't make notes or outlines.

I should have been deliriously happy. I had my dream come true. I'm a best-selling author. So why is everything in my life, including my writing, going bad?

I don't try to sugarcoat things, but I also think my books make positive statements about the people and values in small-town America.

It turned out I really didn't like journalism. I wanted to make up stories, not cover real events.

I had no idea what was going on, and I consider myself savvy with that sort of thing.

Writing an essay is like a school assignment: I have my topic, I organize my thoughts, and I write it. I have complete control over what I'm doing. Writing a novel is like setting out on a journey without knowing who or what I'll encounter, how long it's going to take, or where I'm going to end up.