Amazon.com: How did you begin writing? Did you intend to become an author, or do you have a specific reason or reasons for writing each book?

R.A.: I spend-always have-a great deal of time alone. I suppose I've always been more at ease "talking" with myself than with others. That disposition certainly could have led to becoming a writer.
       Perhaps I had some small, romantic notion of what a writer was, but, certainly, it was never articulated or even dreamed of. Mine wasn't that kind of family. Not a book family. When you were reading, you "weren't doing anything."
       Did I intend to become an "author"? No. I don't believe I thought in those terms at all. I did intend, however, to write a book-that's a different thing.

Amazon.com: What authors do you like to read? What book or books have had a strong influence on you or your writing?

R.A.: I always read novels as a youngster. I remember I did a seventh grade book report on Sinclair Lewis' DODSWORTH. Nobody batted an eye. I didn't read children's books-not until I was an adult, anyway.
       I like to read just about everything now: childrens' books, poetry, essays, literary novels, mysteries, nonfiction. Anything.
       I'm not certain what has had a strong influence on my writing. I do know that Durrell's ALEXANDRIA QUARTET changed my life. I know the poetry of Pattiann Rogers' book, THE EXPECTATIONS OF LIGHT, and Brigit Pegeen Kelly's books, TO THE PLACE OF TRUMPETS and SONG, did likewise. It is, I think, impossible to calculate the effect on my writing. It seems more like an effect on my thinking.

Amazon.com: Could you describe the mundane details of writing: How many hours a day do you devote to writing? Do you write a draft on paper or at a keyboard (typewriter or computer)? Do you have a favorite location or time of day (or night) for writing? What do you do to avoid-or seek!-distractions?

R.A.: Ah, the mundane details. No, I don't write everyday. My life doesn't allow it. When I do write, however, I let everything else go to *heck*. I work directly on the computer if I can, though I've been known to take notes while driving, waking, eating, just everywhere, actually. I'm at my best in the middle of the night. I have an office-a superb, private place. But I do admit to seeking distractions during the daytime-and then when I find them I become annoyed. Go figure.

Amazon.com: Do you meet your readers at book signings, conventions, or similar events? Do you interact with your readers electronically through e-mail or other online forums?

R.A.: Of course I've met readers at readings, signings, conventions, and the like, but I've never interacted electronically with them. That's a little frightening. Perhaps I'm a more private person than I previously thought!

Amazon.com: When and how did you get started on the Net? Do you read any newsgroups such as rec.arts.books and rec.arts.sf.written, mailing lists, or other on-line forums? Do you use the Net for research-or is it just another time sink? Are you able to communicate with other writers or people you work with over the Net?

R.A.: My dear friend Melanie insisted I get on the Net. Insisted loudly. And her children chimed in-until I felt I was clearly missing something. And, yes, it is a time sink, but I'm also learning to use it for research which, I trust will be an invaluable asset. And I e-mail my buddies night and day. That part's a gas.