The Interviewing of Myself.

May I just say that the self-interview idea is brilliant.

I have had the best time on this platform, doing what I love to do best. Writing. Meeting the best of people here comes in at a very near second first. This has been one of the high points of my existence. I am so happy that J@V had this brilliant idea.

I remember Mariann making a request to do an interview with me. I avoided her for days. Then I cowardly FB'ed her that I would get back to her. I never did. (I am glad that her sweet soul holds no grudges). Talking about myself up-front terrifies me. I remember HandsomeLouii asking me to help him moderate his FB Poetry group. I had just been told that my heart had to avoid all stress, I am so sorry Louii, but my health concerns got in the way. Darn it.

I am most grateful that you both considered me for the high honors.

But a self-interview. I can take my time and do some serious heartfelt non-cowardly introspection.

The following are the questions and answers:

What type of writer do you feel you are?

I am a free form writer of anything and everything, writing any topic to which the words or pictures whisper to me to write. I have always loved words, I would even read from the Dictionary when the voices called. I can seriously taste them rolling off my tongue. One does not have to be the best writer, the most eloquent writer, or the most prolific, to enjoy writing. I just embrace the essence of what I feel within the moment and write it.

What type of writer do you not want to be?

I do not want to write negative stories, though it seems unavoidable sometimes. I do not want to look for the worst in other writers.

Honestly, I want to make people smile when they read what I write. There are so many dark, sad and foreboding stories, I want to be the light that shines in the dark.

What do you like about yourself as a writer?

I like my passion for writing. My psyche thrives on passion. My best pieces come from the heart. I have learned from some very talented writers on Vocal, and I have read widely of famous books and authors. I am willing to learn from them. I have no qualms or beliefs at all that I am a great writer, Oh, but I so wish I could be. Meanwhile, I write because I love to do so.

Writing is mostly my imagination going wild. I set it free and let it take me to magnificent, magical, funny and fantastical places. I like that a few people still think my words worthy of reading. Thank you all.

What do you look for in other writers?

I look for stories that interest me, I am mostly drawn to the topics which promise a look into who the author is really deep down inside. I have been accused of not reading Top Stories. But I tend to gravitate more to new writers, the ones with their souls poured into their words. Sometimes all the newbie needs is a gentle nudge to build confidence and make them shine. Once the TS comes, they just keep getting better, they have found their niche.

Where do you feel your opportunities are as a writer?

If I really set my mind to it, the world could be my writing oyster, writing opportunities abound everywhere. Never say never about anything, so I am leaving the window on this one open for whatever comes what may. For now, I am happy to just keep dabbling and squiggling.

What do you not like about yourself as a writer?

THAT I AM NOT THE GREATEST WRITER EVER!!! Sigh!!!

I like that I am willing to write in just about any category. Not all communities are suited to everyone, but I will venture into them blindly and sink or swim. They are all just words, good, bad, ugly and downright beautiful in your own eyes, if not in the eyes of the readers. So what? Write away anyway.

Which writing genre or category do you feel is your best?

I believe Poetry is my best friend. It has always been my go-to for comfort. Anything with heart is easier for me to write.

In which genre or category do you feel the most challenged?

As Scrooge when it comes to this genre, I avoid anything mushy and romantic, not my strong point, it makes me sad, and frankly I find the topic quite boring, love, bah humbug. I am most challenged in Fiction. It takes great imagination and a lot of research to sound genuine.

When did you first start writing?

The minute that I could read and form words on a page. I wrote mostly poetry. I was too young to realize that I should have kept them. I have some which I will never share. Some on Vocal that I should not have shared, but here we are.

Why do you write?

Because I find words so fascinating. I would gladly live in a bookstore and magically travel to the fictional worlds of the characters through the pages. It is the dreamer in me. Words calm my anxieties and gives me a sense of home. I feel happy in this place of imagination and fanciful charm.

This last question is off-topic. If you could be part of any television sitcom family, which one would it be and why?

I would be in "The Addams Family". I would want to be best friends with Wednesday Addams. Although she is typically portrayed as a morbid and emotionally reserved child that is fascinated by the macabre, I somehow identify with her. I think she is my dark side. I fancy Wednesday and I solving dark detective cases, venturing where angels fear to trod.

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One extra question I would add (just for Mariann's sake).

Where are you when you write, or, where do you do your best writing?

Just about anywhere. Sitting on the bed, at a desk, under a tree, on a chair, sleeping, dreaming, walking, on a bus, on a plane, train or taxi. Reading other Vocal people's work, reading a book. In short, ideas show up any and everywhere. Carry a small notebook and a pen everywhere, if you are motivated to write. Jot those thoughts down because they will fly away never to return.

But mostly I write propped up on two pillows by the bedroom window, while the words flow in upon the wind.

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