Do you use a pseudonym? Why or why not? 
No. I want people to know me. And those who already know can find my work, so they won’t think I  just talk about writing all the time for no reason.  And I think my name is interesting and “writerly” enough.

What first motivated you to write/create art?
I come from a family of musicians and artists, so it was never a question of “if” but only what medium would be my “superpower.” I tried many with some success, but writing is what has always been the strongest magnet of my energy.

If you could have any writer/artist, living or dead, as a mentor, who would you choose?
First thought, Hemingway, because of the Moveable Feast, but then Georges Seurat, because of A Sunday on the Grand Jete. Either one because they both found ways to laser their points by directing attention to what mattered, either with words or colors. 

Is there one part of your creation process that’s harder for you? 
The juxtaposition between the simple and private blessing of doing the work and the annoyance of wanting others witness it. In fact, right now, go to my website.

Do you have a piece that you created early in your career that makes you cringe? Will you ever go back and fix it so it can be submitted somewhere?
Yes, before I found the treasure of a good editor. No, I don’t care about that subject now and the cringe remains. (ugh, thanks for reminding me!)

What is your biggest creative doubt? 
Will I live long enough to get everything I want to write written.

What piece of creative advice have you received that sounded good, but was ultimately not useful to you?
To have others critique your work. But they didn’t explain that it shouldn’t happen too early in the creative process or how to choose excellent editors and creative critics. That I had to learn myself.

You’re stranded on a desert island – what three creative tools do you want with you?
Water-resistant notebook, a box of extra fine tip sharpies, and a lovely quilt to sit on to make myself a “sweet writing spot.”