Ali asked Melanie Benjamin:

I'm a "non-traditional" college student, which is a kind way to say old. I'm 42 and taking online classes to get my degree in English and Communications. For a project I need to ask one of my favorite authors how much time you spend writing each day? What degree(s) you earned? Advice for future authors?

Melanie Benjamin Once I've researched a book fully, and mapped it out in my head - all things that are important to do before you sit down to write; you have to know the story you want to tell, where it begins, the highs and lows, how it ends - I typically write 2000 words a day. It doesn't take me very long; a couple of hours at the most. But I'm always thinking about the work and may come back during the day to jot ideas down for things to look for in revisions. Once the manuscript is done - it's a very rough draft; I write quickly but save the polishing for later - I go back and revise, which typically takes a month. Then it's off to my editor so she can chime in and I'll have to go back and revise with her input. I don't have a degree; I never finished college, and when I was there I was interested in theater, not writing. My advice is to read all the time! I came to writing as a reader; I was a fan of authors because I love books. That's the most important trait to have as a novelist - a love of books. Good luck!

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