Writing Essentials: Q & A with Zen from Beltane

Courtesy of  Barb Carlson (critques welcomed) , Writing Essential Tuesday, and Sandy Knauer. This is a "Game for our Characters." Our characters are supposed to answer the questions. Here, Beltane's Zen Van Zandt answers.

1. What are on your feet right now? White Adidas, very comfy. After a long day of nursing classes and a long evening at Light and Shadow, my feet get tired!

2. What are you listening to right now? "Criminal," Fiona Apple.

3. What was the last thing you ate? Riley just stopped by with turkey on wheat for me and a veggie on toasted oat for Gillian. I love having a sub shop next door!

4. Who is the last person you spoke to on the phone? My sister Allie.

5. What is your favorite sport to watch on television? Men's beach volleyball.

6. What is your favorite drink? It used to be Pagan Spirits' hard apple cider. Ever since I took my priestess vows, though, I've sworn off alcohol except as part of rituals. Now I have to drink the non-alcoholic cider. Which is almost as good.

7. What is your favorite day of the year? May Day

8. How do you vent anger? I throw around sharp, pointy words like darts.

9. What is your favorite season? I live in Milwaukee. As long as it's above freezing and less than a foot of snow is on the ground, I'm happy.

10. What was the last thing that made you cry? Holding my nephew for the first time.

11. What is on the floor of your closet? Jeans that need to be folded and put away. I haven't been so great with housekeeping lately.

12. What are you most afraid of losing? Allie.

13. What is your favorite dog breed? Akita. I have a special fondness for Japanese things.

14. What is your favorite flower? "Queen of the Night" black tulips. Allie plants them on the side of her house in Indy, and she says they seem to ward off bad energy. When you can sense bad energy like I can, you need all the help you can get.

BELTANE from Eternal Press is now available in e-book and paperback. Visit www.aeess.com for links and to read more! (Suggested for readers over 18.)