BE: As a writer of both fiction and nonfiction, how do you draw the line between the kinds of experiences you feel can/should be read or written about and those that shouldn’t be?

AG: I like the word “evocative.” When I write non-fiction pieces, I naturally want them to be interesting, engaging the reader, and if I can get an emotional response, I’ve succeeded.

I keep very little private and I probably admit too much—a habit I developed as age crept up on me. Funny how one feels less embarrassed as they become more honest with themselves.

Likewise, when writing fiction I want to include those elements, but I also try to include surprises. I avoid every-day situations except when I want to draw in the reader to set them up for more tension or a jolt of excitement.

On the other hand, I take no responsibility for characters who appear as evil, immoral, and depraved. After all, they are not me. Or, are they?

In both cases, the story is everything.