My mother is an artist, and I have a strong visual sense. I almost always choose the cover art for my books. I've learned that the more I collaborate, like by having someone do a soundtrack to one of my books, the more I see my own work differently.

What occurs after revelation and paralysis?

There's also a lot of gritty Americana type of bands. I actually have a lot of Britpop on my iPod, too.

I do believe very much in the idea of unexpected or "convulsive" beauty - beauty in the service of liberty.

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?

Some questions will ruin you if you are denied the answer long enough.

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