MRBP #10: Top 15 most frequently asked questions

This was first pub­lished in May of 2015. You’ve read it often enough that it’s #10 on the count­down of Most Read Blog Posts.

I made my first school vis­it in 1970. Since that time, there have been count­less such vis­its, in class­rooms, audi­to­ri­ums, and these days via Skype. I have been in front of audi­ences at many, many con­fer­ences as well. All venues vary enor­mous­ly, in both loca­tion (every state) and a few coun­tries abroad. Despite the vari­a­tions, there are cer­tain ques­tions that are almost always asked.

1. Where do you get your ideas?
2. What is your real name?
3. How old are you?
4. How long does it take you to write a book?
5. Among the books you have writ­ten, what is your favorite?
6. Does your fam­i­ly help you write your books?
7. How much mon­ey do you make?
8. Do peo­ple rec­og­nize you when you walk along the street?
9. What inspired you to write [name of book]?
10. Who is your favorite author?  [“Oth­er than yourself?”]
11. Of all the books you have read, what is your favorite?
12. What was your first book?
13. How many books have you written?
14. I want to write. What advice would you give me?
15. When will you stop writing?