She was raised mostly on Broadway musicals, Irish pubs, and the starkness of post-industrial Youngstown, Ohio. She currently writes mostly at a diner called Star on 18th. She also frequents Westway Diner, where she hosts a Writers on Writing book club for the public. She incorporates her knowledge of cognitive psychology into much of her work. Her work has been featured in Ant vs. Whale literary magazine, and at many dinners and diners throughout New York City.