I have a great family tree full of troublemakers, and I learned all about them from my maternal grandmother, a storyteller of great skill, as was my mother.

They also encouraged me to read and provided me with books to feed a growing habit. When I was in grade school, I discovered mythology, and I have been reading fantasy ever since.

My first writing award came in junior high school, when I won first prize in a school wide competition for the best slogan on the subject of good posture. I still have good posture.

When I had the crystal store in Greenwich Village, a lot of people asked me where the kryptonite was. I sometimes had to calm down mentally unstable people. Once I was held up at gunpoint.

I have had short stories published and a very-far-off-Broadway play produced.

My cats have always run my life. This is a good thing because I need guidance and a certain amount of discipline.