I grew up in the upper Midwest in the 1970s and 80s in a predominantly German, Swedish, and Norwegian community. It was a city with about 36,000 people in it back then. Big enough to have everything we needed and not know everyone but small enough that I could ride my bike most places and felt safe enough to do so. I tend to pull a lot of small details from my childhood in to my writing, including my love of nature in all four seasons, family traditions, and innocence. Being a GenXer, I had a lot of freedom. I've written that into several of my characters' backstories. Like Hugo and Kevin disappearing all day to fly fish when they were teens or skateboarding all over town together, just talking and messing around and doing those aimless things I was able to do in my childhood.

I don't get much chance to read for pleasure because I'm usually editing for clients and I need to rest my eyes at some point. ;) When I get a chance to sit back with a book of my choosing, romance, especially LGBTQ romance, is my first choice. I also read books on writing-craft, those that help me resolve a certain problem (think Marie Condo), and factoid or quirky info books on various subjects of interest (Charles Panati). I read some YA, fantasy, and I've read a lot fanfiction in the last decade.

I have so many stories waiting to be written and characters whispering in my ears that it's hard to ignore them. I'm very task-oriented, so if I have a deadline, I will work toward that. I sort of hate that, but I love that I figured that out about myself because I can easily set goals that motivate me.

My desk currently faces a window that overlooks my backyard. I have a fantastic few of the bird feeder where bluejays and cardinals feed. I also see woodpeckers hunting for food in the bark of the tree I face. On top of the desk, I have my desktop computer and a few boxes that hold everything I might need during the day (lip balm, glasses, a stapler, my planners, fountain pens, pencils, markers, and my notecard file). I also have several notebooks tucked away that I can reach for whenever I need to jot something down.

Recently I bought an upholstered chair for my office, and that was the best money I ever spent. That's where I use my laptop and curl up with my dog, aka my assistant. I have more than one bookshelf. One is filled with all my paperbacks people can buy from me, signed. I have another filled with journals and colored pencils and books I love. In my closet, I have a shelf that holds dictionaries from various countries as well as style guides and several resources I use when writing or editing. I also have photography and lighting equipment along with set pieces tucked away for when I need to take promo shots.

On the walls are two bulletin boards filled with quick reference guides and well as writing inspiration. There are quotes to motivate me and photos of the characters I'm currently getting to know as I write their stories. I also have two glass boards where I usually have a very simple plot outline of my WIP. I have a promo calendar on another wall, some creative motivation, and a display board listing all my books that I'm either working on or that I need to be working on.

Oh, and flowers and plants. I don't have a green thumb, but I'm having some success with succulents at the moment. I also have tissue paper flowers I've made. I almost forgot the best part! I have fountain pens and ink. Most are tucked away in a drawer for safe keeping, but right next to my tissue-paper poppies, I've put some of my favorite ink bottles on display. They make me happy.

Aside from writing, I have an editing career, so I spend much of my time editing for other MM Romance authors. Because so much of my time is spent reading, I do other activities as often as possible when I have free time. However, I end up watching shows where I need to read subtitles, so I guess you could say reading in my life.

I enjoy home decor, fiber and paper crafts, refinishing furniture, going on walks with my family, and cuddling with my dog. I love spending time at the lake cabin where I get lulled by the waves and stories come to life. I wish I loved to garden as much as I enjoy everyone else's gorgeous gardens, but alas, I'm not really into weeding and digging and all the ugly that happens to have the beautiful. But flowers and greenery and nature calls to me, so hiking and biking help fulfill that need.