ANNIE ASKS Aimee K. Runyan

What is your idea of perfect happiness?

A cold day, a good cup of proper French hot cocoa, a fuzzy blanket, an amazing book, and my cat purring on my lap.

What is the trait you most deplore in yourself?

Self doubt! It’s such a soul-draining waste of time and energy.

What is the trait you most deplore in others.

Lack of integrity. Be honest in your dealings with others! Not everything in life needs to be about getting ahead.

What is your greatest extravagance?

Five weeks in the summer where I am free to travel. I often bring work along, but I have gotten to see some amazing places.

What is the quality you most like in a woman?

Courage to stand up against a society that tries to make her smaller than she is.

Which words or phrases do you most overuse?

Obviously, absolutely, of course…

What or who is the greatest love of your life?

My darling husband Jeremy.. and books.

Which talent would you most like to have?

Instant, perfect recall of everything I read.

What do you consider your greatest achievement?

My kids and my 12 (and counting!) published works.

If you were to die and come back as a person or a thing, what would it be?

My own cat. I want to know what that level of spoiled feels like.

Where would you most like to live?

Aside from Estes Park, where I already have the privilege of living, either Provence or Ireland.

What do you regard as the lowest depth of misery?

Jealousy…there is nothing more miserable than comparing ourselves to others.

What is your favorite occupation?

Author… what a fortunate coincidence! If I had to pick another, it would be university professor, so I married one of those.

What do you most value in your friends?

Warmth and humor! A funny (preferably inappropriate) meme goes a long way.

What is your greatest regret?

Not having the courage to start writing seriously sooner.