So, if you’ve read the bio on the About page or in That Word Honor (when it comes out), you know a little about me, but here are a five fun facts if you want to know a little more about me.
Aside from the United States, I have lived in three other countries. I studied abroad in Nottingham, England for nine months with nine other amazing people, our professor and his wife. I cannot recommend study aboard experiences enough – if you have the opportunity, go for it! After college, I taught for two years at the American School of Kosova in Pristina, Kosovo and then for one year in Anaco, Venezuela at the Anzoategui International School. These experiences gave me a hunger for travel, and I do so at every opportunity. My most recent travels have taken me to Japan, where my brother Curt is currently living.
I am a huge King Arthur fan – as I mentioned in my website bio. While in England, I took myself on my own Quest for Camelot, visiting as many Arthurian sites as I could. I read pretty much every Arthur retelling I can get my hands on, but my favorites remain: Gerald Morris’s The Squire’s Tale series, Nancy McKenzie’s Queen of Camelot, and Nancy Springer’s I am Mordred. I also love Robin Hood retellings (favorite: The Outlaws of Sherwood by Robin McKinley) and Beauty and the Beast retellings. Also, a huge Lord of the Rings fan (movies and books).
I play guitar. I had to learn how to play as part of my education program, but I am so glad I did. I enjoy playing with my church’s contemporary group and – when I feel inspired – sometimes write my own songs.
I am learning Welsh. Partially inspired by my love of King Arthur, I started learning Welsh, which was unexpectedly helpful when I read Legendborn by Tracy Deonn. It is my goal to take my Welsh skills on the road and do a walking holiday in Wales.
I handwrite my first drafts. I find that my brain works better when I am drafting – or making major edits – if I can write out my story on paper. As much as I love looking at beautiful notebooks, I use composition books, but have a reusable leather cover made by Boar’s Head Leather (here in Minnesota) that I transfer from notebook to notebook. I use a different color marker pen (Stabilo is my pen of choice) for each first draft.