Often, I get the feeling that the story is really happening somewhere and all I'm doing is trying to work out the best way to tell it.

People often presume I'm from whatever country they're from. So Americans presume I'm American and the British presume I'm British. And they're surprised to discover I actually am Australian. And actually some Australians are surprised too.

No mother, no father, no Sight.

Your father is angry with me because he thinks I almost got myself killed,' said Sabriel, with a slight grin. 'I don't understand it myself, since I think he should be glad that I didn't.

There is always a choice, even if the alternatives don't appear to be equal.

I am Abhorsen..." He looked at the baby again and added, almost with a note of surprise, "Father of Sabriel

Touchstone watched, suddenly conscious that he probably only had five seconds left to be alone with Sabriel, to say something, to say anything. Perhaps the last five seconds they ever would have alone together. I am not afraid, he said to himself. "I love you," he whispered. "I hope you don't mind.