Biography
I grew up in Federal Way, Washington— a cluttered suburb just outside Seattle. I spent most of my childhood perfecting handstands and the backstroke in the community swimming pool where I later earned the coveted plaque for “Most Improved Swimmer.” Needless to say, I dropped that dream and, with great enthusiasm, moved on to Pink Floyd Laser Shows, Janis Joplin, and Marlboros.
Natalee Woods. Photo by Kelly Dunning, 2009
After graduating from High School I ventured on to Washington State University where I studied English and Secondary Education. It was during my undergraduate years, aside from my ninth grade English experience, when I began to really think about writing and interpretation. I remember reading Virginia Woolf and thinking about its influence, everlasting and raw. I wanted to explore how to create the same feeling through words. Shortly thereafter, I moved to Los Angeles and attended the California Institute of the Arts where I graduated with an MFA in Creative Writing.
I have always loved the written word. Language for me is ultimate freedom. Writers like Toni Morrison, Inga Muscio, Poe, John Irving, Carl Jung, Norman Mailer, Joan Didion, Joyce Carol Oats, and the extraordinary Jhumpa Lahiri have all been an inspiration. I’m also very interested in works based on the Islamic culture such as Reading Lolita in Tehran, The Kite Runner, and The Bookseller of Kabul.
Aside from reading, I enjoy film and would love to tackle a screenplay someday. Some favorite films include: The Hours, House of Sand and Fog, The Ballad of Jack and Rose, American Beauty, Amelie, The Namesake, Leaving Las Vegas, Garden State, Once, and so many others. The list is endless.
My obsession for music is borderline mad, and I am probably one of the few people who still happily drives to the record store to purchase an album. With gratitude, some of my deep loves include: Portishead, Damien Rice, Fiona Apple, Bon Iver, Radiohead, The Frames, Angie Stone, Erykah Badu, Rufus Wainwright, Jeff Buckley, My Morning Jacket, Prince, anything from the Blues, and last, two women who I am forever indebted to: Tori Amos and Annie Lennox. Brilliance.
