Sharon, first I’d like to say thank you for giving me the chance to talk with you.

Sam, you are most welcome!

My first question is about making money out of writing. Is writing (and editing) your main profession?

I write mainly as a hobby. Although I do get paid for many of my stories, I also submit to, and am published by, non profit literary journals and anthologies. I often donate my prize money or payments to my favorite charity.

How much time do you typically spend on reading and writing? And what do you mainly read?

I either write or edit every day. Sometimes for many hours. When I read, my appetite for books vary. I like everything from historical fiction to contemporary, fantasy and suspense novels. I don’t tend to read many autobiographies. My main preference is fiction of all kinds.

Are you good at telling stories orally? Do your friends ask you to tell them some stories when you meet in the parties?

Although I can tell a decent story or two, I am better at writing them! Sometimes friends ask me to bring one of my short stories to their home and read it to them, which I love to do!

As a writer/editor from the U.S., do you think that Americans spend enough time on reading? And even more important, do they read wisely?

I do think Americans spend quite a bit of time reading. Whether they read wisely is subjective. I know there are trends towards books and reading which can change. Right now fantasy and science fiction seems to have a big following. I would love to see Americans read more books than watch TV or play games, but I think there are still many people who love to read.

Sharon, I’m sure you have lots of beautiful memories from the past. Would you please share one of them with us?

I fondly remember my summer home on a lake in Michigan as a child. Mornings were magical. I ran outdoors at first light and sat on a swing that overlooked the lake, and watched trout breach the surface. I loved watching the sun rise before others woke up. Then as the cottages came awake, there was the aroma of bacon and coffee riding the breeze.

Do you read poetry books? What’s the most beautiful poem that you have heard/read in your life?

I don’t read much poetry. I do love the work of Emily Dickinson and also the prose poetry of Mary Oliver.

How many short stories have you written so far? And which one of them do you like best?

I have probably written over a hundred stories and been published over 90 times. Some of my short stories are still a work in progress. As far as my favorite, I usually like the one I am currently writing the best!

How much time does it normally take you to write and edit a 1000-word story?

I write all my stories in one sitting. Then, I go back in and edit. The actual writing can take anywhere from half an hour to several hours. The editing can take much longer than that – often several weeks of culling through the story and polishing it.

What is your main goal in life? Is it somehow related to writing?

I would say right now that writing and publishing are my main goals at this time. Beyond that, it is to live my life with purpose and tranquility.

Can you read books and stories in any other languages? How many translated books do you read in a year? And who is your favorite non-English writer?

I do not read in any other languages, so I don’t have any favorite non-English writers. Perhaps you will become my favorite writer, Sam!

How can storytelling and story writing help us improve our lives?

I think stories can improve our lives from an emotional as well as practical standpoint. We learn things from storytelling and reading without having to experience it ourselves, and we get the opportunity to see many different lives through the characters. The common bond of human emotion brings us together, and I hope that my stories reflect that. I am very pleased when I learn that a person was touched by my words, which is my purpose for writing.

As an American citizen, what makes you proud of your people and country? And what is the main obstacle that Americans need to tackle jointly?

I am proud of America because we are a country based on the “can-do” spirit and the ability to create a wonderful place to live through hard work and dreams. Right now, I think our main obstacle in America is the way the country is divided politically.

And my last question, where will you be ten years from now? Have you planned it?

I hope to be happy and healthy. I have taken steps to achieve that goal by surrounding myself with great friends, a good imagination, and the rest is up to fate!

Thank you dear Sharon for answering my questions patiently.

You’re most welcome, Sam