Jodi Picoult (born May 19th, 1996 in Long Island, New York) is a bestselling American author whose work has 14 million copies currently in print. Her books Nineteen Minutes and Change of Heart both debuted at the number one spot on the New York Times bestsellers list.
In 2003, she received the New England Bookseller award for fiction. In addition to her novels, Picoult also wrote issues 6-10 of the comic book series Wonder Woman
Interviews
#LADIESWHOHUSTLE INTERVIEW SERIES: JODI PICOULT
Welcome to my new interview series featuring some of the brightest and most hard-working women I know. My goal for this series is to collect stories from women in all levels of their career.
The hope is that their journey and their advice will trigger something in you, and help you take the jump you need to achieve your personal level of success.
Whether they are freelancers, founders of their own business, corporate employees, or students, this #LadiesWhoHustle series will showcase their unique talents and help you unveil yours.
As a HUGE bookworm, I'm swooning over the lady I got to interview today: Jodi Picoult! Jody is a #1 New York Times Bestselling Author who has written over 25 fantastic novels. Some of her books include Small Great Things, A Spark of Light, and my personal favorite, My Sister's Keeper.
Jody is also the recipient of many awards including the New England Bookseller Award for Fiction, the Alex Awards from the YALSA, a lifetime achievement award for mainstream fiction from the Romance Writers of America, and the NH Literary Award for Outstanding Literary Merit. Enough from me, let's hear more from this accomplished writer, and outstanding woman!
Why do you do what you do?
I can't not write.
What's your current dream job?
To be a writer... and a Broadway librettist.
Tell us what your average day looks like.
I get up and run for a few miles, then go up to my computer and edit my way through whatever I was writing yesterday, and when I get to a blank spot I keep writing. I continue until about 4 pm.
It's great to see that you are living your dream job! Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
Hopefully still writing novels, and perhaps winning a Tony.
Amazing, I have zero doubt! Have you had any big career struggles so far?
It was very hard, at the beginning, to write what I wanted to write - fiction that asked moral questions. There were not many writers doing such and finding an audience was a slow climb. Also, being categorized as commercial fiction or women's fiction has prevented people from taking my work seriously.
And what has been your biggest career win so far?
11 consecutive #1 NYT bestsellers.
Now that's a career win! Is there any career advice you've received that you still hold on to?
Don't write about the dinosaurs 'til they become oil - in other words, don't write about what happens to you until you have time to process your emotions and regard the incident from an objective POV
What about bad career advice?
Write that sells.
You have achieved so much already! What is the one thing you are most proud of?
My three children, who are all changing the world in various ways.
Is there one person that has inspired you in your career?
My editor, Jennifer Hershey - who is extraordinary at her craft - and my publicist, Susan Corcoran, who makes my life so much easier.
I think mentors are so important to a successful career. Do you have any mentors?
My former professor, Mary Morris, who taught me everything I know.
When do you feel the most confident?
When I'm standing in front of an audience talking about one of my books.
