What is your idea of perfect happiness? Clarity when I write.
What is your biggest fear? The collapse of imagination.
If you could choose to be someone when you go back, what would you choose to do? A long distance runner.
What is your most valuable asset? My wedding ring is a plain gold ring.
What is your favorite trip? Step into the pages of a great book and wander through the author’s mind.
What is your biggest regret? Didn’t spend much time with my mother, sitting in the kitchen, drinking coffee and listening attentively to her stories.
What or who is the greatest love of your life? My late husband, Fred “Sonic” Smith, was and remains the love of my life.
When and where were you happiest? Hiking through the woods in South Jersey in 1957 with my dog Bambi.
Which historical figure do you most identify with? Who is Thomas Paine?
Which living person do you admire most? Artist Gerhard Richter.
What is your biggest waste? I love jackets and don’t need any more, but I’ve always been drawn to beautiful tweed.
What do you dislike most about your appearance? I am happy with what I am going through.
What talent would you most like to have? Ability to play piano like Nina Simone.
What is your current mental state? Care for displaced people.
If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be? I want to be able to balance my body better.
If you could change one thing about your family, what would it be? My brother, Todd, who passed away at the age of 42, is still with us.
What do you consider your greatest achievement? That I am still alive and still working.
What do you consider the lowest level of suffering? Feeling helpless in alleviating the suffering of others.
Where do you want to live? In the Rothko Chapel.
What is your favorite profession? My personal choice is writer.
What is most valuable in your friends? Intelligence and reliability.
Who is your favorite writer? I have too many to name, but my favorite living author is César Aira; he is a genius.
Who is your favorite fictional hero? Joseph Knecht, Magister Ludi in Glass Bead Game.
Who is your hero in real life? People who dedicate much of their lives to serving others, such as Jimmy Carter, Ralph Nader, and Greta Thunberg.
How do you want to die? With a clear mind, be able to express gratitude.
What is your motto? Do good work.
What is your most outstanding feature? Intestine.
