When I'm not writing or working on books as a publisher, I'm doing things that make me happy. One is skiing with my kids and husband. I love sports.

I wanted to show young people that taking a stand can be done by simply standing firm in your convictions.

As a publisher and author, I'm a big fan of historical fiction and also memoir.

Like any working mother, I have to balance and manage my time very carefully. My children and husband come first, of course, then my work.

I never leave home without my writing notebook, and get a lot of writing done in transit. One great place to create is while riding the subways of New York City, where I live.

One of the most refreshing changes I've seen in recent years is the blending of genres - the pushing past the hard-and-fast lines of specific publishing categories.

The best advice I can give to any aspiring author is to write every single day. Work at the craft of writing. Take it seriously.