How many languages do you speak?
English is my native language. When I was young, my mother spent a lot of time working and living in Quebec where I developed a background of Quebecois French. I am fluent in American Sign Language and German, having actively interpreted the former while also earning a Bachelor's degree and teaching the latter.
What's your favorite book?
My #1 favorite book is The Awakening by Kate Chopin followed closely by The Sorrows of Young Werther by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe. In terms of short fiction, I love The Country Doctor by Franz Kafka and Facing the Bridge by Yoko Tawada.
What got you into editing?
I have always had a love for language. I never got a handle on the "hard sciences", like chemistry or biology, but I loved the dichotomy of standardized structure and dialectical ambiguity of language. Phonetics, grammar, and vocabulary can be defined, but the manner in which the language is used leaves room for individuality, cultural community, critical analysis and open interpretation.
What's your favorite place that you've visited?
My favorite cities are Amsterdam and Barcelona. Domestically, I love Chicago, IL, Austin, TX, and my home of Baltimore, MD.
What's your favorite genre to write?
I'm going to add to the cliche and say that my favorite genre/medium would be poetry. I love the freedom poetry offers the author and the reader, both. I believe in the school of thought defined by Monroe Beardsley and W.K. Wimsatt that the intent of the author is independent of the art and independent of the perception of the reader. The author is merely a vessel for the art, which has a life of its own, as a means to reach the reader. Even if I am the one who wrote the poem, the poem existed well before its 'inception' in my mind. I can claim the poem all that I want, but that poem is a piece of art on its own ready to interact with readers in its own fashion, entirely excluding any intent or purpose delivered by my hand. The poem has a life of its own, its tenure far exceeding my own future timeline. Who am I to place limitations on the poem by interjecting my intention.
Where do you see yourself in five years?
In 5 years, I'd like to be editing for a major imprint under Penguin Random House. I'd hope that, at that point, I'd be able to contribute my editorial insight to the company and grow as a writer and a reader. I'll be living in Tampa, Florida with my dogs and traveling as often as I can.