What was the last book that you read that you’d now recommend?  

This last book I read was Annie John by Jamaica Kincaid (it’s such a classic that it definitely doesn’t need me to recommend it!)

Have you read any classics lately that you were reading for the first time?  

Ah, this perfectly answers this second question! Annie John!

Do you re-read books? And if yes, what was your last re-read?  

Yes, I do reread! I can’t remember what I reread recently, but I do plan on rereading the shoujo manga Fruits Basket, which was a childhood obsession of mine.

What are your go-to genres?  

I really love all genres! Recently I’ve been wanting to dive back into the genre of fantasy.

What is your favorite childhood book?  

I have so many, but I really loved the Nancy Drew mysteries.

What books are on your bedside table right now?  

Amora by Natalia Borges Polesso

Do you bookmark or dogear your page in a book?  

I usually use whatever stray piece of paper or object is near me to bookmark the book (napkins, receipts, pencils, etc) and if I really have nothing, I’ll dogear!

What is your ideal reading setting?  

I love reading in transit, and also at home, lying on a rug.

Tell us about your favorite indie bookstore?  

There are so many I love, but recently I’ve been going to a used bookstore called Recycle Bookstore – I love that it feels like a treasure hunt! And there are cats.

What was an early experience where you learned that language had power?  

I think it was probably when I got in trouble for lying as a kid, which happened a lot – I learned about the power of narrative and what it means to shape one.

What literary pilgrimages have you gone on?  

Sadly, I’ve been on none! Though I do remember finding my book in my local Barnes & Noble, the one I went to as a kid, and feeling like it was such a full circle moment.

Where do you get most of your writing and editing done?  

I get most of it done lying on my stomach in the living room.

Does writing energize or exhaust you?  

I would say a mix of both! I feel satiated, kind of like finishing a huge meal. Sometimes unsettled, too!

How many unpublished and half-finished books do you have?  

I think I have about three right now!

Do you read your book reviews?  How do you deal with bad or good ones?  

I try not to, but sometimes I get sent them – I usually ask people close to me to read them and let me know if I should know!

If you could tell your younger writing self anything, what would it be?  

I would tell my younger self to just calm down, and also that it’s okay not to have a singular voice – that actually, we all have many.

When you’re not reading or writing, what are you doing?  

Playing with my pet birds!

What are your three favorite things right now?  

Home-cooked meals, local library branches, and natural lighting.

Your favorite travel destination and why?  

Home! I’m a homebody at heart. I love returning home.

What’s your favorite meal and go-to drink order?  

Korean Fried Chicken and a salted plum soda.

What six people, living or dead, would you invite to a dinner party?  

I think I would just invite all my friends who I haven’t seen in a while!

If a movie was made of your life, what genre would it be, who would play you?  

I think it would be a comedy, and I’d love it to be animated!

What’s the last TV show or movie you watched that was really good?  

I’m not a good judge of good/bad, but I loved watching Peaky Blinders.  

You have to sing karaoke; what song do you pick?

The ultimate question! Sk8ter Boi by Avril Lavigne.

If you were being taken to a deserted island and could only bring one book, what would it be?  

Revenge of the Mooncake Vixen by Marilyn Chin!