A surfeit of information often hides an untruth,” he said, with annoying clarity.

Humans like stories. Humans need stories. Stories are good. Stories work. Story clarifies and captures the essence of the human spirit. Story, in all its forms—of life, of love, of knowledge—has traced the upward surge of mankind. And story, you mark my words, will be with the last human to draw breath.

How many people want to read about three disreputable pigs and a dopey wolf with a disposition towards house demolition?

Agents and publishers only want one thing - good writing.

Without a yardstick sometimes the high points can be taken for granted.

Maybe those sorts of yes-or-no life-and-death decisions are easier to make because they are so black and white. I can cope with them because it's easier. Human emotions, well. . .they're just a fathomless collection of grays and I don't do so well on the midtones.

The best plans are always the simplest.