An author's writing process is like a fingerprint; no two are alike.  My process includes interruptions, all hours of the day, and lots of time in the summer.  For me, storytelling is about the characters. No character I create is based on one person, but I hope all readers see a piece of themselves in the characters.  All of my stories begin at a critical moment, then flash back a few weeks before getting the high point.  I want readers to know where they are headed. I also work to tell stories through the lens of social thinking.  After all, this is how readers understand what is happening, and how we know what is going on in the world around us.  But even more importantly, I want books that are accessible for all readers.  I love it when readers tell me, "This is the first time I saw myself in a book" and "I liked the humor in the book".    Whether reading to learn or for enjoyment, it is my hope that readers put the book down and remember that what they say and do matters.  Be smart, be kind!