“I need a lot of visual references as I write. When I’m coming up with storylines and characters, I have a habit of spreading out postcards and magazine clips in front of me and arranging them in an interesting way. It’s why I like working on big desks where there’s a lot of space. A lot of times, people on magazine covers serve as my inspiration for characters. I look at it and go ‘what would this person do in this particular moment?’ then I fill in the blanks. It’s a constant visual reminder of the essence of that person that I’m bringing to life on the page.

In the past, If I’m stuck on a particular chapter, I just booked a ticket to go somewhere. It’s been a new challenge to force myself to create very transporting worlds when I can’t actually be immersed in those worlds. Instead, smell has become a big deal to me in the writing of my most recent novel. I find that burning incense and eliciting a sense memory through smell really helps me.”

“I try to keep on a schedule of writing and that usually means I’m at my desk by 9 a.m. and I stop around 1:00 to take a break for lunch, answer emails, return calls and pay my bills. Then I’ll start back again from 5 to 8 pm. I’m a classic procrastinator, which is why I have to create these strict rules. But I’m also a hostage to the muse. When inspiration strikes, I have to rush to my computer.

My posture is terrible, and I love to put my leg up and fold it underneath myself. Or I’m crossing my legs or putting one foot on top of the chair wheel. I’m always shifting, so the auto-adjusting Cosm Chair was perfect. It’s very ergonomic and comfortable.”