Where did you grow up, and how did this influence your writing?
I grew up in Santa Barbara, CA right across the beach.It was stunning! I read books like "Island of The Blue Dolphin" and studied the Native American ways of life, which made me explore nature. Three defining tools of my childhood: a microscope, antique binoculars, and a black and white video camera. I created skits and plays, and took photos of bugs and my dolls dressed up. I was obsessed with Victorian fashion and style, and made old fashion lamps out of coffee cans. I was a wild and free child left on my own to create and write as much as I wanted, which shaped me. I was always encouraged to share my poetry, and I did, self publishing and printing a collection of my favorite poems with drawings.
Describe your desk
It's open, spacious, near a window overlooking the lake and contains only 3 books, a Lego pink notebook, Dan brown's "Inferno", and a sparkly drawing made for me by my 5 year old niece.
I keep it as empty as possible, otherwise it'll get cluttered, quickly! I always have a cup of hot tea or coffee, and usually a freshly made green juice. Headphones for listening to music a I write, my business cards to keep me focused, and my daily "To Do Battleplan". I have a few other pink items, because it's my favorite color, and it inspires me.
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