Writing for adults, you have to keep reminding them of what is going on. The poor things have given up using their brains when they read. Children you only need to tell things to once.

If I give you a hint and tell you it's a hint, it will be information.

I've got a hangover." "No, you hit your head on the floor." "I can't stay. I've got to rescue that fool Sophie.

All these things that crib and cab in your brain, in your imagination, are in fact things that might well in later life drive you insane.

Oh confound that gray-and-scarlet suit!" Sophie said. "I refuse to believe that I was the one that got caught with it!

I've often noticed" Fiona said, "that when people say, 'This can't happen in this day and age', they say it because it is happening.

Oh! Polly thought. Why aren't all girls locked up by law the year they turn fifteen? They do such stupid things!