What is your idea of perfect happiness? Watching a great movie in the afternoon and then taking a long nap.
What do you regard as the lowest depth of misery? War. But also a world without sugar.
What do you dislike most about your appearance? My boring hair.
Where would you like to live? In a tree house just above the ocean, but with nice bougie sheets.
What is your most treasured possession? My box of Christmas ornaments.
What is your greatest fear? Naming my greatest fear, because then I’ll have to admit it, won’t I?
Which living person do you most despise? Any dictator scheming to end democracy.
What words or phrases do you most overuse? Howdy, wow, and fuck.
What or who is the greatest love of your life? My wife, Alex, and our sons, Charlie and Kit, of course.
What is your most marked characteristic? I will use any excuse for an over-the-top holiday celebration, whether the day is real or imagined.
When and where were you happiest? Watching my sons ski down a mountain for the first time.
If you could change one thing about your family, what would it be? We would all be rugged, self-sufficient, and capable. No one would complain or pick up their phones because…you know…chopping wood and stuff.
Which talent would you most like to have? Playing piano, so that everyone could gather around and sing their favorite songs together.
What is your current state of mind? Guiltily eyeing time alone to do absolutely nothing.
If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be? I would just be content with every moment as it is instead of gnashing my teeth trying to change things all the time.
Who is your favorite hero of fiction? The Fat Lady in Salinger’s Franny and Zooey.
What is your favorite occupation? Moving around all my players in fantasy football.
Who are your heroes in real life? Issa López, director of True Detective: Night Country. She can do it all and be the first one on the dance floor.
What do you most value in your friends? Deep and complex thoughts delivered with a wicked sense of humor.
Who are your favorite writers? Toni Morrison, Raymond Carver, Mary Karr.
What is your motto? More milk, less moo.
What are your favorite names? Ginger, Bubba, Georgia, Bananas.
How would you like to die? Consciously, filled with curiosity and awe. Hopefully in front of a big picture window.