Kids are always curious to know where Hank the Cowdog stories "come from." It is a simple question, but it does not have a simple answer.

I write about what I know (ranch life), but beyond that, the creative process remains a mystery to me, even though I am involved with it every day. What I have learned over a long career is that if I follow certain patterns of behavior, I am able to write at least two good books per year. For twenty-five years I have knocked on Hank's door, and so far, he has always appeared. 

Discipline is an important part of the process. I write every morning, rain or shine, summer or winter, for no more than four and a half hours. I have learned that if I go beyond four and a half hours, my writing shows fatigue. For me, writing is a long-distance race, not a sprint, so endurance is a quality I cultivate.