Books are a poor substitute for female companionship, but they are easier to find.

The day we fret about the future is the day we leave our childhood behind.

Language is inexorably tied to power and understanding. And power and understanding are the roots of magic. Just the act of writing something down is a magical act.

Fencing is more a sport than a martial art. It would be like basing your knowledge of roman phalanx warfare on NFL football.

It might not be true, but that doesn't mean it's nonsense.

When someone tells you a piece of their life, they're giving you a gift, not granting you your due.

I'm not a speed writer. I write slowly and revise obsessively. The end result tends to be good. That's where my strength is.