I've watched a lot of guys through the years, and they hold their breath until they finally win The Big One, thinking then they can exhale and chill out. You have to breathe through life, man. Have fun.
When I am writing a story it feels as real as the life I am experiencing off the page. It's an emotional illusion, I guess.
If you fear making anyone mad, then you ultimately probe for the lowest common denominator of human achievement.

