You’re the youngest of twelve children. What was it like growing up in such a large family?
Like the Wild Wild West! We were born to each generation. My eldest brother was born in 1949, I was born the eve of the 80s—a thirty-year age difference. I had, from a very young age, eleven close examples of how I might exist in the world, which was immensely powerful. Also, I had to develop a voice and point-of-view as a matter of survival, which made me into a writer. I have a natural inclination, as a result of being one of twelve, to consult and befriend elders and surround myself with friends whom I adore and love unconditionally, as one would a sibling. This has, at times, caused me problems.
Our house was never a lonely house. It was vivacious, always full of stories and sound and laughter. I still dislike group activities, though. I yearn for solitude with regularity, but am great at sharing. My favorite place to be, still to this day, is in a room surrounded by my brothers.