My experiences always influence my writing, but usually only on an emotional level. I have experienced death of a family member and it's easy to dredge up those feelings and get them on the page.

For me, setting and description is a challenge. I always want to get that part just right, and sometimes the words won't work.

The editing process is a necessary evil. I can write until the cows come home but it is all garbage until it gets edited.

Setting can be something that is a major player in a scene, something that makes the mood leap from the page. But if an author doesn't handle it right, it falls flat or seems overdone. It is a challenge getting it "just right".

My greatest achievement so far is that I've been able to continue with my normal life. I love what I do, but more so, I'm glad to have people who care about me close by.

Pickup lines are a major turn-off, they don't work on me and I tune them out. It's better to just be honest.

There are days when I don't want to go to the gym or find myself not super motivated upon arriving. I would visualize myself playing at the Olympics.