Nothing bores me more than books where you read two pages and you know exactly how it's going to come out. I want twists and turns that surprise me, characters that have a difficult time and that I don't know if they're going to live or die.

Fear cuts deeper than swords.

Sacrifice is never easy or it is no true sacrifice. - Stannis

Sometimes the best way to baffle them is to make moves that have no purpose, or even seem to work against you

Sooner would be better than later, and now would be better than sooner." - Tyrion

I am surrounded by flatterers and fools.

I would also suggest that any aspiring writer begin with short stories. These days, I meet far too many young writers who try to start off with a novel right off, or a trilogy, or even a nine-book series. That's like starting in at rock climbing by tackling Mt. Everest. Short stories help you learn your craft.