What’s the one thing you’ve always wanted to learn but haven’t? Only one? There are so many things to learn, but I have always admired painters and people who draw really well. I’ve challenged myself to start to learn, and I have begun with a watercolor marker set that made its way to me. There’s something so satisfying in seeing a flower (I started with blobs and shapes and have progressed to flowers!) come to life on the page. 

Did you always think you’d be a writer? No. When I was a kid, I always thought a writer was a very special, rare person, one who did marvelous and fantastic feats to become worthy of becoming a writer. I never thought I’d be good enough to become one of them. I was wrong. Anyone who loves writing and is willing to put in the effort and hours can be a writer.

What’s your favorite thing to do? Other than writing? Lol. I love spending time with my loved ones. Reading and talking about books. Walking in the woods. Listening to music. Finding new music that I love. Eating good food. Playing board games. Building Lego. Doing a really good exercise class.

Do you really spend your days surrounded by dogs? I’m super lucky to say that yes, I do—and sometimes even more. Aiko and Toby are my own dogs, and I babysit, or I should say doggysit, others.

What is something you wish you could do more often? Traveling. I’d love to travel with my family more often than we do. My family trips are some of my best memories.

Is it true you worked in a bookshop? Yes! And it was such a fantastic experience. I loved it! Surrounded by books and people who love books–best thing ever! 

  How do you keep your plants alive? Mine always die. I don’t listen to the instructions that come with the plant. Okay, maybe at first, but then if I notice a plant seems to need to be watered more or less often, I adjust. Same for the amount of sunlight they get. I’ve had plants thrive in full sun when the tag says little to no sun. So I guess my trick is to pay attention to the plant. 

P.S. The paying attention trick works with many things, not only plants.