I am so tired of ruggedly handsome heroes. I don't know too many ruggedly handsome people who are necessarily nice people. In fact, the beautiful people have a big handicap because they rely too much on their appearance and don't bother to become interesting.
Barbara MertzThat's maturity-when you realize that you've finally arrived at a state of ignorance as profound as your parents.
Barbara MertzI have no writing habit. I work when I feel like it, and I work when I have to - mostly the latter.
Barbara MertzI will tell you a little secret about archaeologists, dear Reader. They all pretend t be very high-minded. They claim that their sole aim in excavation is to uncover the mysteries of the past and add to the store of human knowledge. They lie. What they really want is a spectacular discovery, so they can get their names in the newspapers and inspire envy and hatred in the hearts of their rivals.
Barbara MertzThe only people who are not in awe of Emerson's powerful voice and well-nigh superhuman strength are the members of his own family. He is aware of this, and often complains about it; so from time to time I like to put on a little show of being intimidated. 'Proceed, my dear,' I said apologetically.
Barbara MertzIt may take us a little longer to reach the summit, but never fear, we will get there!
Barbara MertzThe way to get on with a cat is to treat it as an equal - or even better, as the superior it knows itself to be.
Barbara MertzEverything has happened before - not once, but over and over again. We may not be able to solve our problems through what are pompously called "the lessons of history," but at least we should be able to recognize the issues and perhaps avoid some of the solutions that have failed in the past. And we can take heart in our own dilemma by realizing that other people in other times have survived worse.
Barbara MertzIt is much more sensible to be an optimist instead of a pessimist, for if one is doomed to disappointment, why experience it in advance?
Barbara MertzIt's not unsporting to thrash a cowardly cad,' said Simmons. 'Everyone knows you don't fight like a gentleman.' 'That might be called an oxymoron,' Ramses said. 'Oh--sorry. Bad form to use long words. Look it up when you get home.' The poor devil didn't know how to fight, like a gentleman or otherwise.
Barbara MertzI have learned that particularly clever ideas do not always stand up under close scrutiny.
Barbara MertzWriting is like a bird-watcher watching for birds: the stories are there: you just have to train yourself to look for them.
Barbara MertzI would never have supposed that inexperienced girl was capable of such cold-blooded, calculating manipulation!
Barbara Mertz...Nefret said with a gusty sigh, 'Well, that's done it. We may as well join in, Ramses, family arguments are the favorite form of amusement here and this looks like being a loud one.
Barbara MertzThe combination of physical strength and moral sincerity combined with tenderness of heart is exactly what is wanted in a husband.--Ameila Peabody
Barbara MertzLoving someone condemns you to a lifetime of fear. You become painfully conscious of how fragile people are - bundles of brittle bones and vulnerable flesh, breeding grounds for billions of deadly germs and horrible diseases.
Barbara MertzHe hesitated for a moment. Then he said softly, "I love you, Mother." He took my hand and kissed it, and folded my fingers round the stem of the rose. He had stripped it of its thorns.
Barbara Mertz..he continues to cling to the forlorn hope that I will turn into one of those swooning females...and fling myself squeeling at him whenever anything happens. Like all men, he clings to his illusions.
Barbara MertzI knew the answer, and--of course--so did Ramses. He has superb breath control and always gets in ahead of me.
Barbara MertzSometimes the characters develop almost without your knowing it. You find them doing things you hadn't planned on, and then I have to go back to page 42 and fix things. I'm not recommending it as a way to write. It's very sloppy, but it works for me.
Barbara Mertzstereotypes are awfully misleading. There are typical librarians, but not all librarians are typical.
Barbara MertzNow, Mama, Papa, and sir," said Ramses, "please withdraw to the farthest corner and crouch down with your backs turned. It is as I feared; we will never break through by this method. The walls are eight feet thick. Fortunately I brought along a little nitroglycerin--" "Oh, good Gad," shrieked Inspector Cuff.
Barbara MertzI've been reading ghost stories ever since I could read. I'm immensely curious about ghosts and UFOs and all that stuff, but I'm a very hard-headed person.
Barbara MertzIf someone lies down and invites you to trample upon him, you are a remarkable individual if you decline the invitation.
Barbara MertzPeculiar or not, it is my idea of pleasure. Why, why else do you lead this life you don't enjoy it? Don't talk of duty to me; you men always have some high-sounding excuse for indulging yourselves. You go gallivanting over the earth, climbing mountains, looking for the sources of the Nile; and expect women to sit dully at home embroidering. I embroider very badly. I think I would excavate rather well.
Barbara MertzHumor is an excellent method of keeping a tight rein on unproductive displays of emotion.
Barbara MertzI do not scruple to employ mendacity and a fictitious appearance of female incompetence when the occasion demands it.
Barbara MertzSekhmet crawled onto Ramses's lap and began to purr. 'The creature oozes like a furry slug,' said Ramses, eyeing it without favor.
Barbara Mertz