Ah, Beloved. Of all the things I must bid farewell to, you are the most difficult to lose. Forgive me that I have avoided you. Better, perhaps, that we make a space between us and become accustomed to it before fate forces that upon us.

One can only walk so far from one's true self before the bond either snaps, or pulls one back.

Very little about being a writer is signing an autograph. It's sitting in a room and writing. Getting it out.

Men cannot grieve as dogs do. But they grieve for many years.

Silent," the carved wizardwood on his wrist breathed. "Silent as a blinded ship, floating hull-up in the sea. Silent as a scream underwater.

For, "Yes," he had sighed on his dying breath, and all knew that was the ultimate prayer one could offer to life.

Don't listen to people who tell you that very few people get published and you won't be one of them. Don't listen to your friend who says you are better that Tolkien and don't have to try any more. Keep writing, keep faith in the idea that you have unique stories to tell, and tell them.