Who is Hillary E. Peak?

Describe yourself in 5 words: Recovering idealist, lawyer, aspiring author

What are some jobs you've done that would end up in a book? Most of my jobs ended up in my first novel, Cappuccino is the Answer for Job Dissatisfaction. In fact, I started writing because I quit a crazy job after two days. People would have tears rolling down their cheeks when I told them about it. I figured I'd write in down and send it into Reader's Digest -- instead, I wrote a novel.

If you could give the younger version of yourself advice what would it be? Do something you love. You spend WAY too much time working to not enjoy it.

What do you enjoy most about life? I love to have fun. My mother once told me that wasn't what life was about, but I find that it is the only thing really. I love hanging out with my husband and our two year old. The joy she finds in things makes me so happy.

If you could travel in a Time Machine would you go back to the past or into the future? I don't want to know the future, so definitely the past.

If someone wrote a book about your life, what would the title be? "A Search for Happiness."

What is one book everyone should read? The Great Gatsby -- it has so many levels.

One food you would never eat? Brains of any sort -- I think of this because it is the first thing Julia Child thought to try to make.

Comment on the writing versus publication process, in your experience: Writing is fun. Publishing and promoting is not -- it is HARD, HARD work!

What is your definition of "good writing"? Something I can't wait to get home to read. Anything where I'm thinking about it later.

Favorite place? England

Best Christmas present? I had my daughter 5 days after Christmas, so I consider her my present.

Favorite book? Harry Potter (I think the Sorcerer's Stone is my very favorite)

Favorite author? Too many. I love books.

Favorite smell? Hot chocolate

Favorite series? TV -- Vampire Diaries. Book -- The Hunger Games

Nickname? None

Favorite writing spot? My desk

Favorite movie? Meet Joe Black

Favorite dish? Sushi

Favorite color? Red

Favorite quote? "I can't think about that right now. If I do, I'll go crazy. I'll think about that tomorrow." (Scarlett O'Hara)

Favorite flavor of ice cream? Caramel

Your best trait? I love to have fun.

Your worst trait? I'm very impatient.

I love pizza with mushrooms and olives
I'm always ready for shopping.
When I'm alone, I read.
You'd never be able to tell, but I played the piano really well at one time (i.e. I played Beethoven's Fifth Symphony for a recital).
If I had a halo it would be slightly tarnished .
If I could do anything, I'd go on Dancing with the Stars!
I can never relax because I'm constantly thinking about what else I need to do.