the Real-World was a sprawling mess of a book in need of a good editor.

I could almost see common sense and denial fighting away at each other within her. In the end, denial won, as it so often does.

Almost anything can be improved with the addition of bacon.

If the real world were a book, it would never find a publisher. Overlong, detailed to the point of distraction-and ultimately, without a major resolution.

Literature is claimed to be a mirror of the world,” I said, “but the Outlanders are fooling themselves. The BookWorld is as orderly as people in the RealWorld *hope* their own world to be—it isn’t a mirror, it’s an aspiration.

Writing is a subtle art that is reached mostly by self-discovery and experimentation.

DCI Horner's advice to Jack Spratt: "Remember, m'boy," his old boss had said, eyes twinkling, "that if anyone tries to get the better of you, stand up straight and say to yourself in an imperious air, 'I am the new Mrs. de Winter now!' You'll find it works wonders.