* Personal Experiences: Many of his books are inspired by his own childhood memories and experiences. For example, "Maniac Magee" is based on his time living in a diverse neighborhood in Philadelphia, and "Stargirl" reflects his own experiences as an outsider.
* Observing the World Around Him: Spinelli is a keen observer of human behavior and the world around him. He pays attention to everyday conversations, social interactions, and news events, which can spark ideas for his stories.
* Historical Events: Some of his books delve into historical events and periods. For example, "The Watsons Go to Birmingham - 1963" is set during the Civil Rights Movement, and "Knots in My Yo-Yo String" explores the Vietnam War era.
* Social Issues: Spinelli is passionate about addressing social issues and injustices. He uses his writing to explore topics such as racism, bullying, poverty, and the importance of empathy and understanding.
* Imagination: Spinelli is a master of imagination, and he often uses his creative mind to develop fantastical worlds and characters. For instance, "Milkweed" is a deeply imaginative story about a young boy during the Holocaust.
It's important to note that Spinelli's writing process isn't always linear. He often allows ideas to incubate and evolve over time, and he's known for revisiting and refining his stories before they're published.
If you're interested in learning more about Jerry Spinelli's writing process, you can find interviews and articles about his work online.