Heaven knows that there are plenty of opportunities in later life, too, for being carried away. What of it? We remain what we are and, no doubt, it is all very good for us!
If I'd learned nothing else, it was this: If you want to be a great writer, be a man. If you can't be a man, write like one.
No, I don't make my work in order to challenge or confuse other people's expectations - I only do what I find natural.