How many of Jane Austen’s novels have you read, and do you have a favorite?

Interestingly enough, the novel I’m writing now is hinted with themes of Jane Austen. I’ve read Pride and Prejudice, Mansfield Park, Persuasion, most of Sense and Sensibility and some of Emma. My favorite by far is Persuasion.

Who are your fictional crushes/ships?

Atticus from To Kill a Mockingbird. But he’s an old man, so maybe a friend crush. Movie and TV characters are easy to crush on but the one’s in storybooks have deeper characters.

Best contemporary recommendations?

Americanah, by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie. This book is by a Nigerian author who creates characters of color. Her storytelling is brilliant, like nothing I’ve read before.

Nonfiction favorites?

Eat, Pray, Love. Though she doesn’t have a great worldview, the author has a wonderful voice in her writing. The Soloist is also a good read if you’re looking for something thought provoking. But for something more substantial and less entertaining, then Augustine’s Confessions.

What are your favorite historical periods/settings? Which are your favorites to write about?

I prefer modern day. I like to intertwine current issues into my stories. But previously I liked the Romantic Era. Settings are fun to play around with, but I find it easiest to write about where I’ve been: France, England, Upstate New York, and of course Indiana.

How do you write—pen and paper, computer, etc?

Always on a computer. The words flow better there. But when I have an idea and need to get it out quickly, I use a small journal to put the words down. Sometimes, for a blog post, I’ll come back to the notebook and copy it down.

What’s your favorite period drama miniseries? Favorite TV show?

I was captivated by Suits, until Netflix took it off. Otherwise I loved watching Downton Abbey, before it got too depressing. Jane the Virgin is hilarious and well written. But don’t judge me when I say my favorite TV show is the Great British Bake Off. 

Do you have any hobbies?

Baking as mentioned above is a huge hobby for me. Mostly because it’s a great stress reliever, especially now that I’m working and out of school. Exercise is also my go-to when I have some down time.

You mentioned travel, so…how many places have you visited, and what was your favorite? Any special place you have still to visit?

Places? Too many to mention/not enough to satisfy my travel fever. Four countries, soon to be five. #Southkoreabound. My favorite has to be York, England. A city I lived in for five months during a study abroad. Still need to visit my sister in Taiwan, and probably my brother in China. I also really want to see Edinburgh, Scotland. And my family’s country, Rwanda.

What are your favorite coffee shops?

Starbucks, but I’m partial because I use to work there. Costa in the UK is nice as well. But if I wanna be hipster I guess I’ll mention some local ones: Thirsty Scholar, Quills, Quirky Feather, and Pia Urban Cafe.

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