To me, a book is a book, an electronic device is not, and love of books was the reason I started writing.

What do you tell a man with two black eyes? Nothing, he's already been told twice.

The line of dialogue belongs to the character; the verb is the writer sticking his nose in.

It doesn't have to make sense, it just has to sound like it does.

Never use an adverb to modify the verb 'said' . . . he admonished gravely. To use an adverb this way (or almost any way) is a mortal sin. The writer is now exposing himself in earnest, using a word that distracts and can interrupt the rhythm of the exchange.

I always felt, you don’t have a good time doin crime, you may as well find a job.

My most important rule is one that sums up the 10: If it sounds like writing, I rewrite it.