As we change, the way in which we are perceived in terms of our relevance, our value, our beauty, and sexual potency changes.

But every age deserves its fashion and its forms, and no one can control what survives.

Writing, for me, is always a dance between the critical part of my brain and the subconscious.

The language of the novel differs from the just-the-facts language of the old tales. It's robust and earthy, sometimes even baroque.

Why did people try to shush trouble away as if it were an unruly child?

The story has to flow from an unstructured, felt place, but then I have to bring my analytical brain to bear on issues of craft.

Things, very strange things, happen in folktales and there is never much attention given to the whys and wherefores.