In every book I write, I try to name-check the most prominent influences, or the most prominent conscious influences.
China MievilleA trap is only a trap if you don't know about it. If you know about it, it's a challenge.
China MievilleSomeone came in all Starfleet badges today. Not on my shift, sadly.' 'Fascist,' Leon had said. 'Why are you so prejudiced against nerds?' 'Please,' Billy said. 'That would be a bit self-hating, wouldn't it?' 'Yeah, but you pass. You're like, you're in deep cover,' Leon said. 'You can sneak out of the nerd ghetto and hide the badge and bring back food and clothes and word of the outside world.
China Mieville