For a long time, I had the idea to write short stories based on some of my favorite songs and compile them in a book. I started several, but never finished any of them. Now, the project has long since been abandoned though I still think it's a good idea. Someday I might go back to it.

1. The Great Gatsby - I first had to read it in high school, and I think the language is just beautiful. Though brief, the images are indelible and each character is perfectly drawn. Further, I know I'm in the minority in this, but I don't consider this to be romantic. I think Gatsby is incredibly tragic and sad.

2. The entire Marketplace series by Laura Antoniou. Yep, all of them. I strive to create characters this unique and situations this authentic. I've yet to read a better representation of BDSM.

3. The Handmaid's Tale - I only recently read this for the first time and I was struck not only by the amazing flow of words, but by its prescience. More than ever, the events of this book seem plausible.

4. In Cold Blood - Capote's words are unparalleled and in this book, he manages to give nonfiction a type of beauty normally reserved for fiction. Despite his attempts to be the unbiased observer, his feelings often come through very clearly which makes it even better.

5. Everything Is Illuminated - Jonathan Safran Foer. This is such an unusual book and if you can get used to the three very distinct storylines and perspectives, you'll love it. It would have been an achievement for a seasoned author, but it was made better by being his first novel. He has an incredible voice.

Depends on my mood.

Last year, I finally started the Harry Dresden novels by Jim Butcher and got through several before lack of free time made me put them down.

After becoming obsessed with the musical Hamilton, I started reading historical books on our founding fathers. Jefferson is particularly fascinating to me.

The Kindle app on my phone.

My earliest writing came in the form of bad poetry in elementary and junior high. I had a strict Christian upbringing so they definitely had a religious bent to them. Pretty sure my mother still has most of them in a drawer somewhere too. I cringe thinking about them though.

Laura Antoniou
Truman Capote
Jim Butcher
Michelle Belanger

When my mind wanders, it wanders to my characters and whatever chapter I've been working on. When I get really fixated on something, I write it down. I usually have a notebook with me, but I also have Word on my phone, so if I figure out the perfect solution to a problem chapter, I can jot it down. I also tend to fall asleep thinking about whatever I think needs to happen next.

At home, my "desk" is my couch with a coffee table. My laptop literally sits on my lap and the tv is usually tuned to something I don't have to concentrate too much on - right now, it's usually baseball.