About

Tell us a little about yourself.

A little about me? There really isn’t much to tell. I cherish the little things in life that always make a huge difference. I love exploring old cities, architecture, and abandoned places. I will choose a tent and sleeping bag in the outdoors over a suite at the Ritz Carlton ‘almost’ every time, and I love to drive around the countryside singing out loud to my favorite CDs blasting on the car stereo. I am grateful for my partner, family, and friends, and look forward to our many adventures yet to come.

How long have you been an avid reader?

I have been reading as far back as my memory allows. As a child, I remember sitting beside shelves of books at my Aunt’s house searching out new stories, and re-reading the familiar ones.  As I grew older and gained my independence, settling in with a cup of tea, getting to know the characters in a new book of choice, or revisiting old, still remains the perfect date.

Who or what motivated your passion for reading?

I remember my mother reading to me at bedtime when I was very young, and I remember different primary school teachers reading chapter books aloud in school. In high school and postgraduate, I remember teachers doling out a lot of required reading. Even though I am sure that all of these people had some influence, out of all of them, the only person’s name I can remember is my mother’s. What I do remember are some of the book titles, and authors’ names I was introduced to, going back to as early as five years of age. I guess what really motivated my passion for reading throughout the years and continues to do so now, is simply a well-written book with strong characters, and a good storyline.

What are your favorite genres?

I don’t think I really have a favorite genre. I don’t read science fiction or fantasy usually, and I don’t read horror. I do love a good mystery or drama, so I would have to say that. When seeking out a new book to read, I love perusing the shelf reading titles and covers; then when one captivates me, I check it out.

What are your favorite authors?

There are so many, where do I start. Off the top of my head, of course, there are some of the well-known greats, being John Steinbeck, William Faulkner, Sylvia Plath, and Emily Bronte. More modern day favorite authors would be Marika Cobbald, Wally Lamb, John Irving, and Emma Donoghue.

What was your favorite book of 2017?  Yes, just one. I know it’s hard.

My favorite book I read in 2107, I would have to say is “The Shape of Mercy” by Susan Meissner.

What are your other interests in addition to reading?

In addition to reading, other interests would have to include painting, writing, traveling and exploring new places.

Where and when do you write yourself?

I write all the time, and everywhere. I always have pencils and notepads in my bag and am infamous for scribbling and scratching things down when I am out and about. I can always find something to write on when I want to get the words out of my head, and I have boxes full of napkins, receipts, cards, and even tree leaves I have jotted words on over time. If there is something you can write on; I probably have.

Q   What Literary Heroine would you be?
A.  Scarlett O’Hara or Hester Prynne.

Q.  Who is your ideal Fictional Boyfriend?
A.  Oh, definitely Mr. Howard Roarke! ‘Sigh’

Q.  If you could be another writer for a year, who would you be?
A.  Emily Bronte.

Q.  If you could go back in time, where and when would it be, and why? Who would you want to meet?
A.  I would be in London, England during the 1700s. I would spend the first half of the 18th Century with Poet, Alexander Pope, and I would spend the second half with Poet/Painter, William Blake.

Q. You love to travel. Where is the most impactful place you have visited?
A.  I have a passion for Vincent Van Goh’s life and his works. In 2010 I had the privilege of visiting Auvers-sur-Oise in Paris, France where the artist spent his last years, including his final days, and is buried in the local Cemetery at rest beside his brother Theo.

Q.  What is your favorite movie?
A.  The Secret of My Success.

Q.  What is your biggest pet peeve?
A.  I would have to say, crumbs in the butter. “Yuck’

Q.  What is your biggest time waster?
A.  Staring off into space, letting my mind wander and wonder when I should be writing it all down.

Q.  Do you have any secret, hidden talents?
A.  I have always been good at spelling, and seeing, reading, and spelling things backward without any real thought would be it, I suppose.

Q.  Do you have a favorite Quote?
A.  I have two. “Who breaks a butterfly upon a wheel?” – Alexander Pope, and “Even if you’re on the right track, you’ll get run over if you just sit there!” – Will Rogers.

Q.  What is the best advice you would give your younger self or someone else?
A.  Always stay true to you! Don’t worry about or fear what other people choose to think about you. Be kind to yourself always,  and live out your own unique and genuine story!