I think the reason I choose the comic approach so often is because it's harder, therefore affording me the opportunity to show off. Also, a comic vision is my natural world view, but I've grown up in spite of myself and I can pass the comic twist if it detracts from what the characters need. Yes, the life of a saint is hard.

Where there is no faith, devils are a necessity.

Consider the "new" woman. She's trying to be Pollyanna Borgia, clearly a conflict of interest. She's supposed to be a ruthless winner at work and a bundle of nurturing sweetness at home.

Never, ever underestimate your readers. Everything you do registers.

Nothing is unnatural - just untried.

Possession of a secret is no guarantee of its truth.

We all want to leave our children the Garden of Eden and we wind up giving them hardscrabble.