Is there a connection between language and magic? Yes. Ten times yes. So much yes that it almost doesn't bear talking about. It's as pointless that arguing that the sun is hot.

My shrug was so nonchalant it would make a cat jealous

Why would I want to win anything other than a beautiful game?

On the other hand, winning awards is cool. Aside from the warm fuzzy, it creates publicity, and that helps spread the word about the book. Plus, this award was a plaque of some sort. I could have used that for all sorts of things. Obviously it would be useful for decorating the barren walls of my house and intimidating my enemies, but that's just for starters.

You have to be a bit of a liar to tell a story the right way.

Character is half the reason we read. We're excited because of the plot, but we care because of the characters.

I'm honestly not a big fan of pitching things. I'm a firm believer of letting the product speak for iteself.