Magic is a kind of energy. It is given shape by human thoughts and emotions, by imagination. Thoughts define that shape—and words help to define those thoughts. That’s why wizards usually use words to help them with their spells. Words provide a sort of insulation as the energy of magic burns through a spell caster’s mind.
Jim ButcherYou know the law, Dresden." "He who kills the cheer springs for beer," chanted the rest of the table.
Jim ButcherNay, but prithee, with sprinkles 'pon it instead," I said solemnly, "and frosting of white.
Jim ButcherKeep it up, wise guy. I'm always going to be taller than you once you're lying unconscious on the ground.
Jim ButcherDon't call me a dinosaur. It isn't fair to the dinosaurs. What did a dinosaur ever do to you?
Jim ButcherThe fire of my tribulations had not simply been pain to be endured. It had been an agent of transformation. After all that I'd been through, I'd changed. Not for the worse, I was pretty sure--at least not yet. But only a moron or a freaking lunatic could have faced the things I had and remained unfazed by them.
Jim Butcher