Fools are the only folk on the earth who can absolutely count on getting what they deserve.

I write about rats because they scare the hell out of me. I think we tend to write out our phobias.

Animals don't know as much about jealousy as people, but they're not ignorant of it, either.

you will not falter, because you will have the Everlasting Arm of the Lord God of Hosts to lean on. Yes. With God’s help you will stand.

Doubters will doubt to the end.

Good description is a learned skill, one of the prime reasons why you cannot succeed unless you read a lot and write a lot. It’s not just a question of how-to, you see; it’s also a question of how much to. Reading will help you answer how much, and only reams of writing will help you with the how. You can learn only by doing.

Everyone needs a hobby, he said. And everyone needs a miracle or two, just to prove life is more than just one long trudge from the cradle to the grave.