How can I get ideas for writing?

The best suggestion for getting writing ideas is to take something very simple such as... a girl's dog is missing... then do some brainstorming and write down everything you can think of that could happen, no matter how crazy it sounds. 

For example:

dog kidnapped

plot to rid planet of dogs

alien abduction

dog lost in nearby woods and girl has to find him

dog fell into sewer drain

 

Then brainstorm on those things, for example for 'dog kidnapped':

for ransom - how much?  who took dog?  is girl rich?

dog has microship embedded in it - what's on chip? who put chip there? how did girl end up with the dog?

wrong dog kidnapped - what dog was supposed to be taken? why?

girl has to find and save dog - how?  where?

one of her parents missing too - why?

 

And on and on and on!  When you're brain-dead, you will have tons of ideas for lots of books! :-)

 

When and where were you born?  

1961, which makes me age old, but not brain or emotional old :-)  I was born in Seoul, South Korea.

What are some of your hobbies? 

I love to rollerblade, and lately I've taken up spinning classes.  I also do a lot of artsy things such as beading, crocheting, making stained glass pieces, making jewelry...  And I'm a voracious reader!

When did you write Behind the Bedroom Wall? Why did you write this book and how do you relate to it? 

     I wrote the book because I was passionate about writing and the idea popped into my head.  I believe I started the writing process on this book in 1990 or so, but it didn't get published until 1995.  I got a TON of rejections before Milkweed Editions finally accepted it.
     Everyone, no matter where one lives, or what age, religion, or ethnicity, has difficult decisions to make in life.  Just like Korinna, we all need to figure out what is right and what is wrong in our hearts.  It's not always an easy decision to make, even when we know in our guts what is right or wrong. 

Did you always enjoy writing or was it difficult for you when you were younger?  

First I was a reader.  I still LOVE to read. And I always wanted to be a writer.  I love to write.  Actually, the first draft is always the hardest for me.  I enjoy rewriting, believe it or not.  I love rewriting (I obviously love a lot of things!).  Many people hate to rewrite, but that's my favorite part!