I have a day job in which I write, but I don’t write for a living. I currently work as a Behavioral Specialist and Person Centered Planning Coordinator for a non-profit agency. Most of what I write is technical and geared to each individual.

An easy one for me. Jack Kerouac. Why? Simple: “He was simply a youth tremendously excited with life, and though he was a con-man, he was only conning because he wanted so much to live and to get involved with people who would otherwise pay no attention to him”

I’ve already mentioned the great Jack Kerouac, but let me add to the list.

Harper Lee, because her dialogue captivates me. Not for the use of dialect (though that’s pretty amazing) but for the way it deepens the story while propelling it forward at the same time.

Robin Hobb, because her “Farseer” series completely changed the fantasy genre for me. Her books are less about fantastical creatures and far away lands and more about real human interactions and relationships.

Stephen King, because he’s from Maine and his books are just damn cool.

I would tell myself that being laughed at and told you have no talent for writing by a sixty-something English instructor who has been stuck in the same small town high school for decades is probably an indication that you actually have some talent. And the longer you wait to start writing, the older you’ll be when you get it going again.

I almost always have to have music to write. Mostly because I need to tune out what is going on in the house. I also pick favorite songs for my characters. It helps me get into their heads a bit more. If find it easier to relate if we have a common ground. I get into moods that dictate what music I want to be listening to that day.

Always on heavy rotation: The Cure, The Coors, Seven Nations, Gaelic Storm, Sarah McLaughlin, Heather Nova, The Beastie Boys and Run DMC. Right now I’m listening to Mister Mister Kirye.