How do you create your characters and plot, and do you have any advice for an aspiring writer?
All my books start out with pen to paper, brainstorming ideas. Then I outline and take notes, to establish the characters and plot and get it all organized as much as I can.
My advice to writers is to write a lot, but read even more. Read everything you can. Write as often as you can. If you'd like writing to be your job, treat it like a job now – write every day, and keep writing until you finish what you start.