Eileen has lived in nine cities and three countries, but the bulk of her time is now spent in places that don't exist, listening to — and sometimes arguing with — people who don't exist. Fortunately, people who are paid for doing this are called writers rather than nuts.

She prepared for her career by marrying very young and acquiring no useful job skills, after which she spent several years as a single mother with no time, no money and very little sleep. This led her to seek the most insecure career possible, since she was, by then, very comfortable with chaos.

She loves to hear from readers and usually replies promptly, unless the degree of chaos in her life has exceeded even her tolerance. You can email her at ewilks@mac.com.