“Thanks for being on the show today!”

“Thank you for having me.”

“So we’re here today to talk about your new book, Rustling Leaves and Other Stories.”

“Yes, it’s quite exciting.”

“Let’s start with the obvious question, the one on everyone’s mind. How did you balance writing a book with your family life?”

“Um, well, I don’t have children.”

“You don’t have children?”

“No.”

“Hmmm… So how was it to write a book like that?”

“A book like – I’m sorry, I’m not sure what you’re asking.”

“How was it to write a book without a family?”

“Um, hard? Great? Easier?”

“OK, so you don’t have children – ”

“Correct.”

” – so were you worried about that?”

“About not having children?”

“Yes. Did you feel pressured to get your book done in time, clock ticking, all that sort of thing?”

“Well, not exactly – ”

“So you do want children, then?”

“No! I mean, I like children – ”

“You just don’t want any?”

“I don’t – I haven’t really thought about it.”

“Because you’ve been writing your book.”

“Exactly!”

“Well, looks like we’re out of time – it’s been great talking with you! That was ________, author of Rustling Leaves and Other Stories, her fourth collection of short stories. But no children! What’s that like?”

<laughter>