I realise it can be a bit tricky moving up and down the thread so I thought it would be easier if I rounded up the Qs from earlier in the thread (feel free to answer in one post Ann - and just answer those you feel are most interesting - or that you don't feel you've already answered further up)
Reastie
I'd like to ask Ann did you always know what would happen to the characters as their life went on throughout the book when you started or did it evolve as you wrote it? Presumably the main story of the summer with the bee sting and Leo writing the book were there always, but I often wonder how novelists develop their book as they write it, as I think as you get inside the characters' heads and really develop them it might be easier to create pathways as you go rather than have everything planned out first.
Queenoftheschoolrun
I haven't read anything by Ann Patchett before so there's the added bonus of discovering a new author! So my question to Ann is: which of your books should I read next? Do you have a favourite?
BearAusten
The title ‘Commonwealth’ seems particularly weighted with meaning. When did you choose the title ‘Commonwealth’ for the novel? Was it when you had finished it or before you had really even begun?
Did you have any alternative titles for this novel?
Onlyrose
I'd love to know if you are coming to the UK on a book tour anytime soon?
Aginghippy
I want to ask about guns. There is Bert's gun that Cal gets hold of and also Franny with Fix's service revolver towards the end of the book.
What gave you the idea to use the guns in the story in the way you did?
Popstarz
As the book skips decades, characters, and locations.
So my question for Ann is whether she intended to write the book this way? Or when planning the book did you think chronologically of character development and events and then decide to go back and forth?
Magicpenny
Also can I ask you about your shop - how are book sales in US? There seems to be a revival in books over e-books here - which is really exciting (two book shops have opened up on our high street in the last year). Is it the same in America? Your shop looks amazing. How much time do you spend there?
KTD
So, when your not writing what do you like to do? Are you currently writing a new book or do you take a break once you finish writing?
And finally - I'm interested about the book jacket. I LOVE the UK jacket - so stylish and, in my view, so much more compelling to the US version. What are your thoughts?
Hope we're not bombarding you Ann! There's about 15 mins left so do just get through what you can! Thanks x