I uncovered this month-long NPR series “How Writers Create Their Fiction”, originally run in November 2006. I found many of the ideas presented by the various writers to be informative and inspirational, so we’ll be featuring one writer from the series per day during February.

Today’s writer is Gail Tsukiyama:

How She Writes: “During the day, if I don’t have any other commitments, I’m usually at my desk writing, revising, or researching anywhere from four to six hours. I tend to be a late-night person, so it’s not unusual for me to also put in another hour or two from midnight to 1 or 2 a.m. When I’m in the midst of finishing a book, I can be working around the clock.”

Writer’s Block Remedies: “I try to step away from my writing, and hopefully, return refreshed. I usually pick up a book I’m reading, or go to see a movie, anything that may inspire my own work. I also find doing the mundane, everyday things in life has a calming, creative influence on me. Some of my best ideas come when I’m vacuuming or waiting in lines. Not to mention shopping therapy, it’s a reminder that there’s another world out there!”

Come back tomorrow at 9AM PST for more writing wisdom.