1. At what level would you describe yourself as a writer (for instance, just starting to take myself seriously; searching for a graduate program, etc.)?
I am a published author but only non-fiction and journalism. Therefore, in the non-fiction arena, I guess I’m a bit above amateur but I don’t take myself terribly seriously. As for fiction, I am a total and complete amateur who really does have a book inside.
2. What genre(s) do you write?
Primarily non-fiction but I am really interested in writing fiction – I’m aspiring to mystery but I’m not sure if I’m that good.
3. How do you fit writing into your life right now?
I write whenever I have 5 minutes to myself. I journal every day. I write a blog. I try to go away for an entire weekend just to write as often as possible. The last time I did was in November 2007.
4. What is your goal for this project (June 1-Aug. 31)?
My goal for this project is to get a plot together for a novel and write the first draft of 4 chapters (?).
5. What steps do you plan to take to reach that goal?
I start two writing courses during this time, one non-fiction and one fiction.
6. How do you reward yourself (or how would you like to be rewarded) when you meet a goal?
This “reward” thing you speak of? I am unfamiliar with it. I don’t know how appropriate this is, but I’m not a big fan of tchotchkes. I love practical, useful things. Also, the thing that thrills me to no end is to learn something new. (please no yarn!!! I’m drowning in it!)
7. What writing craft books do you have/like?
Ariel Gore: How to become a famous writer before you’re dead
Ann Lamott: Bird by Bird
Steven King: On Writing
8. Any craft books you’re interested in checking out?
Body Trauma: A Writer’s Guide to Wounds and Injuries
9. What inspires your writing?
Other people’s writing.
10. How would your author’s blurb read?
Faith Landsman is the author of One Queer Marriage, part of the Young Wives’ Tales anthology, What Can I Do? a book on being a friend to someone who is terminally ill and various articles on HIV. She is currently the Administrator of the UCLA HIV Research Facilitation Core and was previously the Administrator of the UCLA AIDS Institute Vaccine Initiative and Director of the Southern California HIV/AIDS Hotline. Faith lives with her husband Michael in Burbank where they are members of the second oldest gay motorcycle club in the United States.
11. Tell us about your family (partners, kids, pets, etc.)
Oh, this is such a loaded question for me. Always so hard to answer because it elicits so many more questions. I always seem to want to write out as much as I can so that I’m not leaving anyone in the dark. Anyway, here’s the best answer I can give:
I live with my husband of 8 years. He’s gay. I identify as queer. We have been friends for 16 years. We were living together when Jeff, his lover of 10 years and my friend, died of AIDS-related non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. We were always a family but we decided to become legally recognized as one after Jeff died so we were married in February 2000. We bought our first home a little over a year ago. We share everything (checking account, last name, mortgage, decisions) except a bedroom. We plan to be together for the rest of our lives. We believe we have as perfect a marriage as can be had.
12. Have you ever participated in Nanowrimo (finished or not!)?
I’d like to, but alas, no.
13. What can you do to make it easier on yourself to meet your goal for this project?
Having a partner who kicks my ass. Also, firm deadlines.
14. What are you looking for in terms of support from a writing partner (ex. Exchanging work for critique, being held accountable for meeting a word count goal, etc.)?
I definitely need to be held accountable for firm deadlines and frequent word count goals. I could use critique and I am completely open to it. Otherwise, I’m not sure what I need as I’ve never had a writing partner before.
15. What crafty pursuits do you enjoy when you’re not writing?
I sew, crochet and I am just getting into embroidery. I also cook quite a bit.
16. What other hobbies/past times do you like?
My favorite thing in the world is to ride on the back of my husband’s motorcycle. I garden almost every weekend. It is the most relaxing activity I know. I also love photography and the thought of finding an engaging new book is just thrilling to me.
17. What non-writing-craft books have you enjoyed?
Hmm. The list is too, too long. Right now I love Forever (Pete Hamill). I would recommend Yiddish Policeman’s Union (Chabon) to anyone. I’ve been reading a lot of memoir lately – Infidel (Ayaan Hirsi) and A Drinking Life (Hamill).
18. What else would you like to share with us?
I’m incredibly laid-back. I will make thoughtful critiques and I appreciate feedback immensely. International is a little over my budget right now so if I could be matched in the states, I’d really appreciate it.
