MK: When did you start writing fiction? When did you realize that you'd be thinking of yourself as 'a writer of fiction.' How do you balance your life--you're doing so much: writing fiction; composing music; editing a major literary journal; teaching; being a father?
RB: I began writing little stories and poems when I was 7 years old, about the same time I also began composing short piano pieces. Since then I always knew I'd be a writer. As for balancing my life, that remains the relentless challenge I face every day. I don't have any original advice to offer but I will say that I follow one rule: my son (now 8 years old) comes first before my work because being kind to people (especially someone you love) will always be more important than your work as a writer.
from interview with Miriam Kotzin, ASK
