Identity and Inhabiting Characters

The importance of understanding one's own identity is emphasized, particularly through the lens of writing fiction. The author discusses her realization of being a white woman from New England, which informs her perspective and allows her to authentically engage with different characters. This self-awareness is essential as she explores the process of inhabiting others' experiences and emotions, demonstrating a keen ability to empathize deeply with her characters. The mystical nature of this connection is illustrated through a moment from her teenage years when she felt her molecules shifting with a woman sharing her life story, highlighting the profound impact of active listening.