New York Times Bestselling author Joseph Finder is taking your questions…

In October, Ben Mezrich answered your questions on writing, inspiration and rejection, Joseph Finder is up next.

Joe, a bestselling thriller author and hailed as the “CEO of Suspense,” has published nine novels including the bestselling High Crimes which was turned into a film starring Morgan Freeman and Ashley Judd. He has recently sold two more bestselling novels to Hollywood and his latest thriller, Vanished, landed on The New York Times bestseller list. Vanished, published in August 2009, is the first book in a continuing series featuring corporate security specialist Nick Heller.

Joe was born in Chicago, but spent his childhood living around the world, including Afghanistan and the Philippines. At Yale, he majored in Russian studies and sang in the school’s legendary a cappella group, the Whiffenpoofs. He completed his master’s degree at Harvard and was recruited by the CIA, but decided to write fiction instead.

For the next week (or so), you get to ask Joe questions in the comments area below. Ask anything! Ask about his process and his writing routine, his favorite song or his most embarrassing moment. For more question inspiration, check out Joe’s website and/or follow him on twitter.

Be creative. Joe is now listening…

Comments

[Jeffrey Petit-Bois]

Hi Joe, I was wondering. Does it matter if a writer gets self published or published in the normal way? Is this choice of self publishing will cause the writer any trouble in the future? Thank you very much for your time.

[Jeffrey Petit-Bois]

Hi Joe, I would like to know is there any difference for a writer that self publish or a writer that does it the normal way? Does self publishing affect a writer's career later on or not?

[Kita]

Dear Joe,
How did you know that writing is what you wanted to do?
Thanks,
Kita

[kenzie morgan]

Hello sir,
I am young and have little experience in writing but it has always been a dream of mine, so i want the chance to fulfill my dream to professionally write books and become a best selling author.but the fact that i am young and can't think of how to make my stories interesting and good and i also need to know how i should write a poem book since i have been told i am a good poet by people that don't know me i would like to share my thoughts about the world through poetry and stories help me !!! :) <3

[Nick]

Hello, Sir,
I have a question about setting, but it seems pretty simple to ask. I was wondering, when writing a fiction novel that takes place in more "modern times," how hard is it to make the setting in a town or city you've never been to before? I'd appreciate any feedback and ideas you could give me. Thanks for the help. I'm sure everyone appreciates it.
Thanks again
-Nick