Wow! We made it through all 30 days of the writing challenge. And it was fun! 30. One thing you’re excited for My new book! Love Can’t Conquer releases in four days. You can preorder it now, even. I’m really excited about this one, which will be the first in a series. Hunky urban park …
29. The night of your 21st birthday Just after midnight the day I turned 21, I went to Safeway and bought beer. They didn’t card me, which was disappointing. And I couldn’t buy hard liquor because this was in Oregon, where you could buy wine and beer in grocery stores but had to buy hard …
28. The word or phrase you use constantly. In person, I say these things a lot: Have I answered all your questions? It’s in the syllabus Do your job Do your homework/the dishes/your laundry, etc In writing, I find that each book has at least one overused word. Well, my editors find that, actually. In …
27. What you wore today That sounds like a question a creepy caller would ask. Okay. Today I don’t have to go into the office. I do have to do the laundry and pack for a trip, plus I need to walk soon. I’m dressed accordingly: in my least favorite black walking shorts and an …
26. Things you’d say to an ex I don’t have an ex. My husband was pretty much my first boyfriend. I also try really, really hard not to harbor bitterness toward others. I’m not always successful, but I do believe that kind of anger only hurts the person who nurtures it in her heart. Anyway, …
25. Four weird traits you have I always arrive at airports early. Way early. Obsessively so. It doesn’t help that all the airports are 100 miles from me, with unpredictable traffic in between. I stress about it. And I like hanging out in airports–they’re often good places to work–so I’d rather just be really early …
24. Something you miss I miss my family. I live in California with my husband and kids, but most of my relatives are in Oregon. We see each other once or twice a year. I miss being able to hang out with them and do things together. I’m hoping to be able to move to …
23. A family member you dislike That’s awful. I can honestly say I like all my family members. A lot. So instead, I’ll write about a family member’s annoying habit. I do almost all my writing while sitting at the kitchen table. I have a study, but I prefer the kitchen because then I’m not …
22. Your morning routine This varies depending on the day of the week and time of the year. A typical academic weekday morning looks like this: Wake up when husband’s alarm goes off at 6:30. Try to go back to sleep, but fail. Get up at 7:30 Shower, etc. Head downstairs Start up laptop Brew …
21. Your zodiac/horoscope and whether you think it fits you. I don’t believe in this. I’m an Aries born in the Chinese year of the ram, so, you know, double sheep. Here are the supposed traits of ram people: Strengths gentle, softhearted, considerate, attractive, hardworking, persistent, thrift Weaknesses indecisive, timid, vain, pessimistic, moody, weak-willed Only …