Favorite book or series: 

Small World by Jonathan Evison

A writing habit or quirk you have:

reading...and rereading...and rereading what I've written before I reply to emails.

Favorite snack while writing or editing:

kettle chips

One random fun fact about you: 

I have a fascination with the explorer Ernest Shackleton and his voyages to the Antarctic in the early 1900s. 

What’s a book, article, or author that’s had a big impact on you—and how?

Linda Sue Park; In my previous school district, I taught Park's novel A Long Walk to Water to my class of sixth graders for four years. As a component of the unit, we raised nearly $5,000 to help bring clean and sustainable water to areas of South Sudan. I was also fortunate enough to meet her at an author event which was a very memorable experience.

If you could interview anyone (alive or historical), who would it be and why?

Hank Aaron; I am an avid fan of his and a collector of sports memorabilia. I would hope to hear one-of-a-kind stories about what it was like to be in the major leagues, particularly as a person of color at the peak of the Civil Rights Movement.