Michele Zackheim (Broken Colors) discusses what learning about the properties of color taught her about writing ... In this month's 1-On-One!

Is it possible to be a good writer without being a good reader?

I don’t think so.  When I began to paint, I spent a year learning about the properties of color.  Which color could be mixed with what . . . which color should never be mixed with each other.  The information was stored in my brain, and this gave me the freedom to make paintings from a purely intuitive part of myself.

According to a report of the Independent Book Publishing Association, over five million American adults belong to reading groups. What, do you believe, is the basis for this country's love for literature and books?

It always surprises me that there is as much reading as there is in this country.  Because of television, and now the internet, I worried that reading would become archaic.  I’m delighted to hear that this may not be the case.

What advice do you have for reading group members when it comes to selecting books for discussion?

I would alternate my choices.  One month, read something that is a bit entertaining; the next month choose a book that is astonishingly challenging. 

What books are you reading now or do you plan to read?

I am reading all the Georges Simeon novels, rather than the mysteries.

If you were stuck on a deserted island and could only bring one book with you to read, what would it be and why?

All of Shakespeare because there is always a new corner to explore.

If you could have dinner with three writers (dead or alive) who would they be and why?

Rosamond Lehmann, because I would love to sit back and simply hear her talk about her characters.  I have a feeling that she was quite vociferous.  Violette Leduc, because she was my surrogate writing teacher.  Thomas Hardy, because he is a master of language.