I've collected stamps, coins, rocks, hockey cards and keychains as a kid. I still have the coins and stamps in a box somewhere. I used to collect vinyl records but stopped at around 500. These days I collect books including a few signed or first editions but nothing of great value. I figure I have 1200+ books nearly all hardcover.

Cats. Animals are cool and i like dogs but cats are fascinating and i love their attitude.

I don't remember when I started writing exactly but it was before high school. Other than basic grammar and composition I haven't had any formal writing instruction, it was just something I always enjoyed. I had an awesome teacher who really encouraged me. When I was in Grade 11 I wrote a story in English class that used the word "F***", something that was absolutely unacceptable at the time. The teacher loved the story and asked me to read it in class including the f-word. I got a standing ovation from the class although I'm pretty sure it was because I got away with swearing in class rather than the story itself. I didn't think that at the time and I think the reaction was a big factor in continuing to write. It was the first time I ever shared anything I wrote publicly. (A variation of this class reading crops up in a story i am currently working on.)