David Baldacci has sold over 60 million books in over 80 countries AND was on People Magazine's 50 Most Beautiful list???  He has a loving family, contributes back to society and is a social genius.  Every one of his seventeen books have become national and international sellers. He is the American success story that inspires us with hope.  After all, hope is what the homeless man lost when he took to living on the streets so its power should never be underestimated. 

David has kindly swung by The Global Townhall to share some of his stardust with our readers. 

Gabrielle Reilly:  What positive or motivational quote can you share to help improve the lives of our readers?

David Baldacci:   Passion is a rare commodity.  When you find it, treasure it and never give it up!

 
Gabrielle Reilly:  How do you structure your writing schedule to complete a book?

David Baldacci:   I don't have a set structure.  I usually start with a mini outline and a target as to where I think the book might go.  After about 150 pages, I've established the flow and then generally let the characters take me through the story.

 
Gabrielle Reilly:  How do you get inspired to write a book?

David Baldacci:   Everyday things and language can inspire me. Most people see the world in black and white, I see it in tones of gray. For whatever reason, I see how things are and take it a step further to how things could be.


 
Gabrielle Reilly:  Are there any characters in your books that represent you?

David Baldacci:   There are pieces of me in many characters but I never take a real person and plop them into one of my novels.  An example, the character Oz in my novel WISH YOU WELL has a bit of me as a child and some traits of my son. Building complex characters makes writing exciting for me.



Gabrielle Reilly:  How much impact did your political science degree and your experience practicing law in DC help with the development of your plots?

David Baldacci:   Being a practicing attorney gave me an enormous work ethic.  I had to work on long projects at a time and break them down into little pieces, much like writing. And working in Washington, DC brought a host of character ideas that I have incorporated over the years in my novels.  As for my political science degree, it helped me to be aware of seeing both sides of an issue. This really comes in handy with book plots.



Gabrielle Reilly:  Flattered to be named one of the 50 most beautiful people in the world in People magazine?

David Baldacci:   Shocked really.



Gabrielle Reilly:  Did you always expect to be this successful growing up or is this somewhat of a surprise?

David Baldacci:   I always knew I wanted to be a writer but I never anticipated that I would make a living doing what I love.


  
Gabrielle Reilly:  Do you have a new book in the pipeline?

David Baldacci:   I am working on the fall book.  It features a new and bold character that I really like.  I'm excited to bring this one to the fans this fall.


 
Gabrielle Reilly:  What is your Foundation dedicated to?

David Baldacci:   The Wish You Well Foundation is dedicated to supporting family literacy in the United States by fostering and promoting the development and expansion of new and existing literacy and educational programs.  Fans can find out more at www.WishYouWellFoundation.org <http://www.WishYouWellFoundation.org>