Dr. Matthew Balk is the University Writing Center Director at Western Illinois University.

M&L: What is your idea of perfect happiness?

MB: A cool rainy day, a warm cup of coffee, a good book, and nowhere to be.

M&L: What living person do you admire most?

MB: My wife.

M&L: What is your most treasured possession?

MB: I don’t own anything particularly valuable, but I have a painting of a bluejay that my grandmother painted for me that I will never part with.

M&L: If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?

MB: I wish I was better at mathematics.

M&L: Where would you most like to live?

MB: If I can do fictional, Hobbiton [from The Lord of the Rings] always seemed like a peaceful place to live.

M&L: What talent would you most like to have?

MB: I have tried to teach myself to juggle twice, to no effect. But I always thought it would be a fun thing to be able to do well.

M&L: What do you consider your greatest achievement?

MB: Going to sound cliché, but raising my daughter. She’s a wonderful little human being.

M&L: If you could choose another occupation, any occupation, what would it be?

MB: I’ve always wondered what it would be like to be a film director.

M&L: Who are your favorite writers?

MB: Kurt Vonnegut, Douglas Adams, and Becky Chambers.

M&L: What is your motto?MB:” Life is a state of mind” (from the movie Being There).