When did you first start writing?
At age 12. It began with a love of poetry, especially freestyle poems like those written by Cummings. When I was 14 and in typing class, instead of typing what was in the textbook, I wrote a short story about sexual curiosity. My teacher found out I was typing something creative and told my English teacher, and she begged me to let her read it. I was pretty introverted--I had written 103 poems in 2 years, and had only let one person read my innermost thoughts. Eventually I gave in, because she seemed safe, and she became the second teacher who told me I should never stop writing. For many years it felt like a curse. Since meeting Professor Richard Walter at UCLA, I've grown to love this gift and feel honored to be part of the ancient art of storytelling!
What is the greatest joy of writing for you?
Creativity is the best drug ever. When my brain is occupied with imagination, inventing people, places, and plots... WOW!!! I love it! I've long accepted that my brain is different, and that what I write is not everyone's cup of tea. Nonetheless, I love the art of storytelling!
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