For me, the hardest part of writing is the idea generation. Not just the plot, which usually comes in consistent fits and starts. It’s the characters that I need, along with the initial premise, to really get going. It would make sense that the voices would come when I’m at the computer, focused on the book. Instead, they’re often obstinately silent in those moments. Lately, I’ve found that the characters come out to talk when I’m working on some other project, something that engages my mind but in a different way. The characters of my new book, Far Gone, seem to like puzzles. So, puzzling it is…
