On writing: Sometimes coming up with a single line or character trait near the beginning of your novel improves it drastically. It may take months just to think of that one explanation or example that adds color to the main character, enlightens the reader on his/her motivations, adds a note of suspense, or increases the ability of readers to relate to or understand him/her. Just another reason why a novel can take a while to finish. Every few days, I come up with a slightly new take on an old idea somewhere in Book 3 that will make it better, or maybe a new idea. It's about 350 pages long right now and there's plenty of room for improvement.

Revising your book is sort of like making microwave popcorn. When you're at the point when you're getting only a few pops once in a while, then you know it's ready. But when it's still popping a lot, you have to let it keep going.