A lot of the creature comforts and the things we take for granted, are not sustainable, especially at current population levels. And so, it's not just simply a matter of changing over to solar. It's a matter of changing our philosophies. Of learning to live, more or less, mid- or post-apocalyptic, whatever apocalyptic means.

I think I got a complete picture of what the lives of scientists are like. My father is of the opinion that if scientists are allowed to follow their nose, eventually it results in something. Unfortunately that doesn't always happen. What I came out of it with, in a non-cynical way, was that the scientific process is as messy as anything else. There's nothing wrong with that. That's just the way it is.

I have received emails from readers who have said that they were emotionally impacted by the books, and they feel they are more environmentally aware and energized to do more. So that's hopeful to me. It is at least evidence of what I'm trying to do - trying to convey very intense emotional experiences by being very close in on character points of view to make you feel it in your body. That's one way to get the point across, by evoking a visceral response.

The map had been the first form of misdirection, for what is a map but a way of emphasizing some things and making other things invisible?

I see music as an aid. It overcomes my internal editor, especially when the music evokes the character or the mood I'm trying to build.

I always try to be alert to the potential for repetition, for a decaying orbit with regard to my use of technique, etc.

The music I listen to while writing is really scene-specific. It's just a great motivator, a way to put myself in the mood.