Dear Ken Follett,

I am a high school English teacher. Since I have a lot of papers to correct each night, I save The Pillars of the Earth for my bedtime read. I have only read about 100 pages in a few nights, but I already love the story. I love a fast-paced story, and that's what this is. When the reader misses the characters in between reading, you know the author has succeeded in his writing. I found myself missing Tom when the novel switched to the monk's story. I love long stories and hate when a good tale ends. I know that your novel will give me many satisfying evenings. My question is as follows: Do you map out the story beforehand? How much of it is planned and how much is spontaneous?

— Annette S.

Dear Annette,

Early in my career I wrote many unsuccessful books. My first best-seller was also the first book I outlined thoroughly beforehand, and I believe that for me planning is essential. I normally spend a year researching and plotting before I write Chapter 1. My aim when planning is that there should always be something fresh happening in the story to keep the reader's interest on the boil.

— Ken Follett