Mini Interview with SUSAN SCHORN:

Your childhood ambition:

To be a paleontologist. I ended up as a Victorianist, which isn’t far off.

Something you treasure:

My first black belt, in Kyokushin karate, awarded in 2002 by Sensei Suzanne Pinette.

Your worst habit:

Self-criticism. And criticism of others, though I try to keep that internal. Negativity and impatience generally.

The aspect of your work that’s most important to you:

Making the reader feel intelligent.

Your first job:

Veterinary technician.

Someone whose work you highly recommend:

Russell Hoban.