1. How do you come up with the ideas for your stories? In other words, how do the muses work for you?

Ideas really are all around you! Some come from dreams, some come from things overheard or images seen in magazines. There's no real answer!

2. Do you have a special routine when you're writing, or can you just sit down at a computer and start typing?

Since I make my living off writing and editing, I can just sit down and start typing.

3. Who are your literary influences?

TOLKIEN!

4. Generally how long does it take you to write an average novel? How many different revisions do you usually go through?

It depends on the deadline! A novel can take years or, in the case of the BUFFY novels, VISITORS and DEEP WATER, it can take two months or less! The more you write, the more you get a feel for how many revisions will be needed--and when to stop revising!

5. How do you deal with writers-block?

Work on a different project!

6. Out of everything you've written, which would you say is your favorite; which gives you the most satisfaction of a job-well-done?

That's like asking which is a parent's favorite child! I'll just say I like ALL my "children!"

7. Do you have a favorite character that you've created?

I have several, ranging from Ruanek, a Romulan who took on a life of his own and became a major character in ST: VULCAN'S HEART, and Ardagh, the exiled Prince of the Sidhe in THE SHATTERED OATH and FORGING THE RUNES. I'm also fond of Denise Sheridan, the clever curator in SON OF DARKNESS.

8. What do you think makes a good fantasy author?

Talent, luck, and perseverance!

9. Can you tell us what you're currently working on and when you expect it will be available in bookstores?

Due out momentarily is MYTHOLOGY FOR STORYTELLERS, from M.E. Sharpe. Later will be ST: VULCAN'S SOUL, book one, Exodus. And still later, STONED SOULS, with Mercedes Lackey. Right now, I'm working on THE BLACK THORN GAMBIT, a fantasy novel.

10. Random quote or piece of advice you'd like to share to end this with?

Write what you WANT to write! Read. Everything.