I carry a purse bigger than my head on most days. It contains my wallet, a bottle of water, apples, and whatever book I happen to be obsessed with at that moment. I learned to read when I was three, and it's proven to be the best skill I've ever acquired. That should be obvious, though. When I was younger and thought I wanted to be a journalist, I developed a passion for newspapers. Although my journalism dreams are long-gone, I still love to devour The New York Times and The Kansas City Star. For me, a newspaper wouldn't be a newspaper without great columnists who are able to give a new slant to the stories on the front page, while providing some insight into the way we live. Dave Barry is my favorite, and one of the only writers who can consistantly make me blow beverages out my nose. While his politics are totally different from mine, I also get a kick out of PJ O'Rourke. I've always been a little bit frightened by Hunter S. Thompson, but I love his style and his honesty. My friend Laura recently turned me on to Molly Ivins, and I'm thrilled to finally have a woman with a loud political voice on my list. Yes, I do read fiction, too. Some poetry at times. Want a list? Maya Angelou, Julian Barnes, Douglas Coupland, Jim Harrison, Carson McCullers, Flannery O'Connor, Dorothy Parker, John Steinbeck, Alice Walker, e.e. cummings, and Emily Dickinson, just to name a few. I do some writing of my own. If you do, too, check out The Writer's Page. Agents and publishers tend to lurk around that site, so it could be worth your while. I officially started writing my novel at the end of April, '98. Check out the progress - or lack thereof - I've made, and let me know what you think.