The Gods do not protect fools. Fools are protected by more capable fools.

The witnessing of titanic events is always dangerous, usually painful, and often fatal.

The perversity of the Universe tends towards a maximum.

The Gods do not protect fools. Fools are protected by more capable fools.

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.

You learn by writing short stories. Keep writing short stories. The money's in novels, but writing short stories keeps your writing lean and pointed.

My problem with new writers is that it takes me five or six years to memorise the right names.