Sometimes I wish that just solving the plot problems was enough. And then elves would go and do all the actual work moving the words around.

She took my hands in her, then, and squeezed them. 'But you stayed where you were meant to be, and you didn't listen to them. Well done. That's quality, that is,' and she sounded proud. In that moment I forgot my hunger and I forgot my fear.

Books are defensive, not offensive (unless you're the puzzled adult trying to make the kid with the book interact).

A story only matters, I suspect, to the extent that the people in the story change.

I was not so old that I would deny my own senses.

You know I love you,' said the other mother flatly. 'You have a very funny way of showing it,' said Coraline.

I have heard the languages of apocalypse, and now I shall embrace the silence.