The past, as you suggest, is absolutely present at all times and the present is born from the past. I wouldn't want to suggest that the past determines the present.

All of my books really do look at that to degrees of difference. Technically, I do enjoy the flashback! But not just for informational material.

For at some point, each of us will be asked to embody what we feel and know.

As for what's the most challenging aspect of teaching, it's convincing younger writers of the importance of reading widely and passionately.

Like most people, Im fascinated by characters who are completely flawed personalities, riven by anguish and doubt, and are psychologically suspect.

A tale, like the universe, they tell us, expands ceaselessly each time you examine it, until there’s finally no telling exactly where it begins, or ends, or where it places you now.

I did feel a little afraid, as you say, the complete liberty and "elasticity" of it. But I found that I liked some of the things that it availed me of in terms of emotion and tonal stuff. I came to find it appealing.