What, When, Where, Why, How with Margay Roberge

Welcome to "What, When, Where, Why and How"! Today, we are being entertained and edified by Margay Roberge

What is your favorite thing to eat for breakfast?

I'm not much of a breakfast person. I hate to say it, but I often skip breakfast because I don't like to eat when I first get up and by the time I decide to eat, it's usually lunchtime! When I do manage to eat breakfast, I like a good omelet with lots of melted cheese. I have a weakness for sharp cheddar cheese and there's nothing like the taste of it in an omelet.

When do you do most of your writing?

I do a lot of my writing in the morning/early afternoon. Mornings are actually my best time to write because my daughters are at school and I'm pretty energized from a full night's sleep. I think I'm also a lot more creative in the morning, probably because of the full night's sleep. But once the girls come home, there's a lot of activity inside the house and I have to share the computer, so I don't get as much done. I still try, though.

Where were you born and, if you no longer live there, would you like to move back?

I was born in Massachusetts, where I currently reside. I've lived in a few other states - New Hampshire, Virginia and Florida - but I always come back. I think it might have been Stephen King who wrote something to the effect that a true New Englander always returns home to their roots. It's so true in my case. All of the other states I've lived in had their merits, but they just weren't home to me. Most of my family still lives in Massachusetts and I like to stay close to them. The other places are nice to visit, but Massachusetts is my home.

Why did you decide to write for publication?

For years, people have been telling me that I should and I finally believe them! Actually, I've been having a love affair with the written word for many years and I thought it was time to get it out in the open. I just always, sometimes more strongly than others, felt the need and desire to see my work in print and to hopefully bring others the same pleasure I've derived over my many years of enjoying the written word. And there's nothing like the sense of accomplishment you feel when you hold your book in your hands for the first time and actually see the results of your hard work. You literally hold your dream in your hands, just as you literally hold your future in your hands the first time you hold your baby. It really has been a dream of mine to become a published author.

How good are you at Scrabble?

I'm a pretty good speller, so I guess I can hold my own. Let's just say that people don't usually want to play against me. I don't know why. It's not like I'm a walking dictionary or anything. Although, certain members of my family would probably disagree with that. I like Scrabble; it's the one game where I feel I have the advantage!

Descended from the same bloodline that spawned the likes of James Russell, Amy and Robert Lowell, Margay Leah Justice was fated to be a writer herself from a young age. But even before she knew that there was a name for what she was doing, she knew one thing: She had a deep and unconditional love for the written word. A love that would challenge her in times of need, abandon her in times of distress, and rediscover her in times of hope. Through her writing, Margay has learned to cope with every curve ball life has thrown her, including the challenges of single parenting, the harsh realities of living in a shelter, coping with the diagnosis of Multiple Sclerosis, and the roller coaster ride of dealing with a child who suffers from bipolar disorder and Asperger's Syndrome. But along the way she has rediscovered the amazing power of words.

Margay currently lives in Massachusetts with her two daughters, two cats, and a myriad of characters who vie for her attention and demand that their own stories be told. Visit Margay at her website.

For another "What, When, Where, Why, How" segment today, check out Judy Thomas' blog.