Observe, don't imitate.

The language fictional characters use is chosen for effect, at least if the author is concentrating.

I'm very happy that the New York Times has spoken well of my stuff; who wouldn't be? But it's not a choice I made.

I don't think anyone wants a reader to be completely lost - certainly not to the point of giving up - but there's something to be said for a book that isn't instantly disposable, that rewards a second reading.

I long for the simplicity of theatre. I want lessons learned, comeuppances delivered, people sorted out, all before your bladder gets distractingly full. That's what I want. What I know is what we all know, whether we'll admit it or not: every attempt to impose the roundness of a well-made play on reality produces a disaster. Life just isn't so, nor will it be made so.

Creating the fictional background for a game world isn't significantly different from creating a background for fiction.

There are readers who want every point to be clearly and unambiguously set forth, and there are those who want to pry ideas and meanings out for themselves.