I write in the morning before I go to work. I am not so far out of sleep then, and am able to wander easily from one dreamland to another. I often feel like I am playing an instrument when I type, as though my fingers are choosing the words. My favourite key is the delete key. I think the best writing comes out of being able to discern and blend the best 'fresh' passages with the best 'considered' ones. The delete key has helped me craft my novels for young adults: The Black Sunshine of Goody Pryne (Groundwood, 2003), Box Girl(Groundwood, 2001) and Bat Summer (Groundwood, 1998) which was nominated for a Governor General's Award. I also write short stories for adults which have been published in The Fiddlehead Review, The Malahat Review, The New Quarterly, and Descant. My short story, "Ollie" (The Fiddlehead Review, 1998), was included in the Journey Prize Anthology. In addition to writing and working, I also practice and teach Taoist Tai Chi, a twenty-minute long set of moves usually practiced in a group. My practice informs my writing and helps me balance my life so that I don't turn into a troll. I live solo in Kingston, not far from the river. I enjoy kayaking, smelly cheeses, reading in bed, Johnny Cash, fall air-smell, soap operas, Tolstoy, unexpected goodness, hanging with my buddies and dancing all night long. My personal motto is: "See whole".