I was born in Baltimore. Now I'm in Philadelphia.

In between, I graduated from Maryland Institute College of Art (after a stint at The School Of The Museum Of Fine Arts in Boston). I worked as a producer, editor and on-air graphic designer at Maryland Public Television, winning two Emmys for my work on regional arts showcase ArtWorks This Week. I started my writing career as a contributing writer for the Baltimore City Paper, where my work as a film critic and arts journalist led to a regular column on classic film at Popmatters.com, and a steady gig doing movie reviews on the radio at 89.7 WTMD.

In 2008 Baltimore Magazine voted me "Best Arts Writer" in Baltimore. That was pretty sweet of them.

My parallel shadow career as a slash fictionista led to writing erotic novels Hotel Butterfly (2009) and Will Success Spoil Pace Hammond? (forthcoming in 2010). I'm also an adjunct professor at Maryland Institute College of Art, where I teach classes in film theory and video production.

Is Violet Glaze your legal name or your pen name?

It's my legal name. It has reminded people variously of a Raymond Chandler character, a burlesque dancer, a porn star, a Southern dowager, and a "deadly doughnut." I am none of the above.

Is this you?

No.

Why is your middle name "Cellar Door"?

When my mother was pregnant with me, my father had a dream I would be named "Cellar Door." It has nothing to do with Donnie Darko, although I do appreciate the synchronicity. (I got off easy. My father dreamed my sisters' names were "Tumbleweed" and "Camel Waters".)

Maybe God was saying "Stella D'oro" ("golden star") and your dad misheard "Cellar Door"?

That's my grandfather's theory. Sounds good to me.

How can I be a film critic?

Many people think they're qualified to be a film critic because they love movies. But writing ability is what will get you hired. Do what I did - write up a few samples and submit them to the paper you'd like to work for. Be forewarned that if you get the job, you will see many terrible movies.

What does your tattoo mean?

Which one?

The one on your arm.

The one on the left says "Lilith" in Hebrew. The one on the right is the Arecibo message.

Are you Jewish?

No.

Is Lilith your Hebrew name?

No. (See above.)

What is your favorite book?

Mark Salzman's Iron and Silk. And Bruce Brooks' The Moves Make The Man.

No, I mean which book you've written.

Ask me again in a decade.

If I meet you at an event and say hello, will you be a nice person?

Yes.

Who took that awesome photo of you?

Cory Donovan. Isn't it great?