I don't plot the books out ahead of time, I don't plan them. I don't begin at the beginning and end at the end. I don't work with an outline and I don't work in a straight line.

You'll lie wi' me now," he said quietly. "And I shall use ye as I must. And if you'll have your revenge for it, then take it and welcome, for my soul is yours, in all the black corners of it.

Bedding her could be anything from tenderness to riot, but to take her when she was a bit the worse for drink was always a particular delight. Intoxicated, she took less care for him than usual; abandoned and oblivious to all but her own pleasure, she would rake him, bite him - and beg him to serve her so, as well. He loved the feeling of power in it, the tantalizing choice between joining her at once in animal lust, or of holding himself-for a time- in check, so as to drive her at his whim.

It was a beautiful bright autumn day, with air like cider and a sky so blue you could drown in it.

Character, I think, is the single most important thing in fiction. You might read a book once for its interesting plot—but not twice.

You dinna need to understand me, Sassenach," he said quietly. "So long as you love me.

He gave you to me," she said, so low I could hardly hear her. "Now I have to give you back to him, Mama.