Your bio says you sought out CBR to use writing as a release from the stress of the political atmosphere, which is a great reason! Have you found it helpful?
As the ant said when pissing into the ocean, “Every bit helps.” Honestly, the political environment is so toxic and upsetting right now, I believe we all need multiple mechanisms to cope. Writing does help. So does alcohol.
In one of your reviews, you said that “There are some books one reads as a teenager or young adult that help shape their interests, their philosophies, really begin to define the template for who they are as a person.” Did you come from a family of readers who gave you some of those shaping books, or did you discover them on your own?
Both of my parents were avid readers & I believe that kids at an early age watch what their parents do & model that behavior. This is something I passed on to my kids, for them to see me reading & to have books all through the house to allow easy access.
You definitely have a favorite genre (sci-fi, the correct choice). What do you read when you’re trying to push yourself out of your comfort zone?
Speculative fiction has always been my favorite but if I want to challenge myself I usually pick up a science book. Kip Thorne & Lawrence Krauss are two scientists I really enjoy.
If you were to get a book-related tattoo, what would it be? (Or if you already have one, what does it say?)
It’s funny, I had this conversation with a close friend a few years ago. She asked me, “I know as a Jew you wouldn’t get a tattoo, but if you did what would you get?” The Crow is one of my favorite films (I watch it every October 30 to honor Brandon Lee) & I told her I would want to have Eric Draven from the Crow within the Phoenix Flare that Jean Grey of the X-Men generates. And she had a local artist create that.
How many chapters do you give a book to grab you/convince you before you put it down and move on to something else?
This is a question I struggle with because it varies so much. For example, I finally picked up Gene Wolfe’s Book of the New Sun a couple of years ago & was so excited to read these highly influential books. I got about 200 pages in & had to stop because I couldn’t get into it at all. That is probably the longest I have ever given a book before I quit.
What place (actual or fictional) that you’ve read about would you most like to visit?
I am probably in an extreme minority but I love Tolkein’s the Silmarillion as much or more than the Lord of the Rings. Numenor, his version of Atlantis, is a place I would love to see more & see explored more in print & film. & Yes I would love to visit there.
It’s almost Thanksgiving! What’s your favorite kind of pie?
I am a chocoholic so I go more to French silk than to apple or berry pies (not that I would refuse any slice of pie)
Anything else you’d like to share?
