That's a great question. For the past five years, I've sung tenor in our local hospice choir. I also edit my husband's novels, enjoy visits with my grandchildren, raise assorted forms of poultry, and otherwise enjoy my life. But even with most activites, in my head I'm still writing.

I've been an active participant on the We Love Memoirs Facebook group since it began a few years ago. It's up to over 2,000 members now, about half of them are authors (memoirists, of course). All are, of course, readers. I get a constant supply of suggestions from that source. I'm also a member of BookBub and get a daily email with suggestions from them.

That's a hard one. I wrote letters to my grandmother from the time I was seven. Then, in seventh grade, or maybe it was sixth, I put together a science newsletter for my school. I was the reporter, the editor, the layout designer, and the runner-off of the mimeographed copies. I didn't let anyone else help me; not very nice (or smart) in hindsight. But then, that's hindsight for you: never there when you really need it.

I will admit to being a fan of Diana Gabaldon's Outlander series. I've read the full series twice and many of the individual books three or four times.

I'm still on the first generation Kindle, but I turn to my smart phone often to read if I need to wait for something.

I grew up in northern New Jersey, the only child of a single mom. But what had even more influence on my writing and my reading choices is the fact that I stuttered. I ran from that fact, retreating into books and daily journaling. I think my journaling style influences my writing. Though I hope I've learned to keep my reader more in mind than I would if journaling.

When I was seven, my grandmother moved away and began writing to me. I've always attributed the beginning of my writing career to those letters.

I write to connect: with myself and with others.

These are the ones that come to mind without even thinking about it. Barbara Kingsolver, Joan Didion, Joyce Carol Oates, John Steinbeck.

I love breakfast.

It depends if I'm working on the first draft (never let anyone see it; never edit it until it's complete) or a later draft. I like to get to my desk by 9 a.m. and I sit there until it's time for lunch.

I don't recall the first story ever, but I do recall the first story I read again. That was Margeurite Henry's Justin Morgan Had A Horse. I think I was 8 and I read it one summer 15 times. I lived in the city and horses were simply out of reach for me then.

Very carefully. And with a budget.

All of the Steinbeck books, all of the Kingsolver books. Then, I'd add The Secret Life of Bees. Oh, and Pride and Prejudice; I'm not as crazy about Jane Austen's other books, but I love reading Pride and Prejudice. I read the same books many times, if I really love them. I always find something new.

My involvement on Facebook and other forms of social media has brought me into contact with many of my readers. And, because I'm a Returned Peace Corps Volunteer (RPCV) I give talks for the Peace Corps too.

It's a few old boards on top of two file cabinets and covered with a plate of glass. And it's a tad messy at the moment.

Sorry, I don't talk about a WIP until I've got my first draft out on paper.