But... watching Steven Barnes taught me to treat my life like an art form.

I do not believe they've run out of surprises.

Never fire a laser at a mirror.

Mother Nature doesn't care if you're having fun.

The reader has certain rights. He bought your story. Think of this as an implicit contract. He's entitled to be entertained, instructed, amused; maybe all three. If he quits in the middle, or puts the book down feeling his time has been wasted, you're in violation.

The best advice I was ever given was on my twenty-first birthday when my father said, Son, here's a million dollars. Don't lose it.

In challenging a kzin, a simple scream of rage is sufficient. You scream and you leap.