I know there's a lot of talk about self-publishing right now. Everyone's giddy with the possibilities. And I'll admit that it looks good on paper: sell your books directly and keep a bigger chunk of the profit for yourself. No rejection letters. No hassle with agents. Sounds good, right?

I won the only duel I ever lost.

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

After a certain point is reached the numbers cease to matter, and all that remains is the faceless mass of a crowd.

You need to realize that most writing rules aren't laws, they're rules of thumb.

It gets tiresome being spoken to as if you are a child, even if you happen to be one.

The boy grows upward, but the girl grows up.