Lynn
Lynn asked Stuart Gibbs:

I really want to become an author, but I'm only 12. Do you have any tips on how to become a published author at this age? I am going to write a fantasy or mystery novel, but I can't think of any ideas. How do you get inspiration? Do you have a method that you use to actually plan out and write your books?

Stuart Gibbs Lynn -

I hope this isn't too discouraging, but it is extremely hard to get published at your age. I tried it myself and failed -- and I don't know of anyone else who succeeded (without self-publishing). That's not to say that it's impossible, but it's close. I'm not saying that you shouldn't try. Just be prepared for things to not go so well.

I get inspiration from all sorts of sources: travel, books, magazine articles, museums, zoos. Just be curious about the world.

I brainstorm ideas for up to a year before I start writing books. Then I outline. Then I write. Then I do 8-10 edits.

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