Dolen Perkins-Valdez

Dolen Perkins-Valdez asked Lisa See:

Hi Lisa! I am loving #HistoricalFictionWeek here on Goodreads. I'm a rookie historical fiction author (two books) and I have long admired your work and career. What advice do you have for writers who are just beginning to shape their careers and hope to continue writing books for a long time?

Lisa See Thank you for your kind words Dolen! My advice would be to always look at writing as a job. That means, you get up and you go to work. I don’t wait for that moment of inspiration. By now, I do a lot of things—I write, I do a lot of speaking, and I do other fun—what I consider to be fun—projects. But the most important thing is writing, so that always comes first. When I get up, the first thing I do is write. My rule is 1000 words a day—just four pages—that isn’t very much. Life is short, so be passionate about everything you do.

More Answered Questions

Mariella

Mariella asked Lisa See:

As a lifelong student of Eastern spirituality, I relished the accuracy of your character's personalities in relation to their Chinese zodiac signs.(I'm fire rabbit and a painter, so Z.G. is very close to my heart!) I'm wondering if you value Chinese astrology primarily as a literary tool or if you find the zodiac to reflect authentically in your own life and relationships? Do you identify with your native animal?

A Goodreads user

A Goodreads user asked Lisa See:

Admiration note/Question I have read and loved your books some I have reread because they were written with such passion and your explanation of the Chinese life has been so informative (I even keep a note book of Chinese facts I have learned) one book has eluded me Forbidden City USA waiting for library exchange to find. The documentary of Tyrus Wong was superb will you ever write an entire book about his life?

Dannielle Norwood

Dannielle Norwood asked Lisa See:

I'm currently reading "Snow Flower and the Secret Fan." The imagery is so lovely and inspiring! Where do your ideas for your stories come from?

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