Maybe just as many women writers as male writers could be billed as the next great American writer by their publisher. Maybe book criticism sections could review an equal amount of female and male writers. Maybe Oprah could start putting some books by women authors in her book club, since most of her audience is women.

I had always loved life on the road. It was just something that appealed to me very deeply.

In 1998, I started a blog, something I could control very easily and update at my own whim.

The Storied Life of A. J. Fikry is a breezy, big-hearted treat, especially if you've ever wondered about the inner workings of America's national treasures--neighborhood bookstores.

In its current incarnation in my life touring is a lot of airports and hotels and car services and only OK food.

I'd love to be able to write crazy epic plots. I'm working on it.

The very best parts of me go into my writing, it is the best version of myself, and I don't think it's hubristic to believe that that's worth something, worth someone else's time. It's the most I have to offer the world.