T.C.: Yes I definitely agree with the last sentence. Because I spend so much time thinking of the best way to share my thoughts, oftentimes I learn more about how I see the world around me. You are known for a different type of writing that may be new for some of our Readers, could you explain what an essayist is?

A.T.D.: So I use the term “essayist” pretty broadly, essentially to refer to my non-fiction writing. While I wrote a lot of academic essays in grad school, I focus more on personal essays now--biographical pieces with a lyrical quality that draw on my personal life to make bigger comments about life and the world.

A.G.: Interesting! I’ve never been good about writing about the real world, and I admire people who are able to do so. So you like to write essays about the world, but what draws you to write essays instead of novels?

A.T.D.: Actually, at heart, I’m a fiction writer and I consider myself a novelist more than an essayist. My bio just notes that I’m an essayist since I have a few more essays published right now than fictional stories. But I actually have a novel with a literary agent at the moment, and we’re in the middle of submitting it to publishers. That’s a long process, so it may be years before I actually see that novel in print. In the meantime, I’m working on another novel, as well as some short stories and essays, whenever an idea comes to me.

A.G.: Oh, best of luck on the novel!

T.C.: That’s awesome that you are able to have different facets of your writing published! Since you have multiple projects and author schedules can vary widely, what is your work schedule like when you're writing?

A.T.D.: I have two small sons (ages 3 and 1), so my writing schedule pretty much revolves around them haha. I do a lot of my writing when they’re napping or on the weekends when my husband can help watch them. Usually, on a good writing day, I aim for at least 1,000 words on the page. I try not to worry too much about how polished those words are--it’s all about getting out a draft so I can see the full story before I start revising.

A.G.: Sounds like you are always busy! It seems being an adult does not give you more free time to write hahah. Obviously, all authors need to take breaks and rest- what do you like to do when you're not writing?

A.T.D.: I love traveling, being outdoors, spending time with my husband and kids, cooking and baking, remodeling and decorating our 1960s fixer-upper, and spending time with friends.

T.C.: That all sounds like a lot of fun! As a child, what did you want to do when you grew up?

A.T.D.: I feel like it’s a little cheesy, but ever since I was a child, I’ve always wanted to be a writer and a mom. I admit that sometimes both of those roles (especially combined) are a little harder than I once anticipated, but I’m very blessed to be able to live out both.

A.G.: That’s awesome! Even if it’s a little different than you imagined, I think it’s wonderful you get to fulfill your childhood aspirations.

T.C.: Definitely! Are there any authors or essayists that you looked up to as a child, or that you look up to now, that inspired your dream to be an author yourself?

A.T.D.: Oh gosh, so many writers I love. C.S. Lewis is one of the best essayists I know. Flannery O’Conner, David Foster Wallace, Margeret Atwood, Oscar Casaras--all great essayists. Marilynne Robinson is an essayist and fiction writer I very much look up to. Her novels have greatly influenced mine. As far as fiction writers, I also enjoy Alice McDermott, Ruth Ozeki, Ian McEwan, Elizabeth Strout--I could go on forever!

A.G.: All such wonderful writers! Sadly, that was our last question for the interview today. We greatly enjoyed being able to talk with you- thank you so much for joining us!

T.C.: Yes, thank you so much for joining us and sharing some insight into your author life!

A.T.D.:Thanks so much for this chance to be interviewed!

A.G.: Of course! That’s it for this week Readers, so stay safe and we’ll see you on the author side!