For the most part, everything I write about has been experienced first hand. I've been fortunate in meeting interesting people while traveling around the world and am always thinking about the next story to write.
I've always had an interest in writing, although poetry was my avenue for creativity until I started attending workshops. Then my focus shifted to writing books.
I do read them and understand that not everyone is going to relate to my stories. When they're good, I'm thrilled of course. But bad ones can be deflating and I try not to let them bring me down.