Memory and the imagination are almost identical. It's the same place in the brain and the same thing is happening. When you think about your own life, there are no memories without place. You are always situated somewhere. I think the imagination - the narrative imagination at least - situates you in a specific space when you start to think of a story. I often use places I know. I put my characters inside rooms and houses that I'm familiar with - sometimes the houses of my parents or grandparents or previous apartments I've lived in.
Paul AusterSomething happens, Blue thinks, and then it goes on happening forever. It can never be changed, can never be otherwise.
Paul AusterFor some reason, all my characters come to me with their names attached to them. I never have to search for the names.
Paul AusterIn Invisible there's a lot about childhood, the death of the brother and then the relationship between the brother and sister.
Paul Auster