Novelist, 48, seeking distance and retreat

About this sitter

Anthropologist, 48, author of three book-length essays, now turning my attention to experimental fiction. Quiet, monkish habits, never drink or smoke, long-time vegan. For the next ten years, most of what I want to do is write and swim in the sea, and if I can spend time in new places, and care for animals along the way, so much the better. Happily espoused — that’s my brilliant partner Jessy in the photo. Sometimes we travel together, sometimes I’ll be on in my own. Looking for longish (as long as six months? perhaps longer?) assignments near open water, in the mountains, deserts — edge places.

Why they want to house sit

I find I do my best work in borrowed places. On top of that, given that the cultural valorization of difficult fiction is at an ebb, I’d like to moderate my expenses, not least to hasten the day Jessy and I have a retreat of our own. And I’ve been known to profess strong opinions about our responsibilities to other animals.

https://mitpress.mit.edu/books/meat-question

Their experience

Substantial experience sitting for cats and dogs, not to say wwoofing with goats and alpacas.

What can they bring to the assignment

Maturity, attentiveness, a penchant for keeping kitchen surfaces clean.