Janice Snapp: I'm an artist (abstract-symbolist) and technical writer, not yet serious enough to write about myself in the third person. I came across Rambles one day when I was supposed to be working. Since I love music and books as well as art, I decided writing reviews might be fun. I was an adjunct professor of English at East Tennessee State University for 10 years, and I'm as opinionated as the next person.

I've been reading since I was 4, but was so blocked that I didn't start writing (except for literary criticism) until a couple of years ago. My preferred form is e-mail.

For the last 2 1/2 years I've lived in Marysville, Pa., where I bought a house built at the turn of the last century. I moved here to be closer to my best friend, because I fell in love with the Susquehanna River and because I wanted to be closer to major cities with art museums. I enjoy gardening, rollerblading and kayaking, and I own a "recreational" kayak (kind of like a paddle-powered SUV) with enough room for my dog, who likes to go out on the river for short jaunts to look at waterfowl. This week I'm re-learning how to ride a bicycle.

Stories by Janice include:

Ted Hawkins
• The Next Hundred Years

Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan
• Sufi Qawwalis

Louis Lynch
• The Harp's Massage

Tommy McClennan
• Whiskey Head Woman: The Complete Recordings 1939-1940

Andre Toussaint
• Bahamian Ballads

various artists
• Rock Me, Shake Me: Field Recordings Vol. 15, Mississippi 1941-1942

Tseng Yung-Ching
• Magic of the Chinese Flute

Carolyn Dunn
• Outfoxing Coyote