If you've a story, make sure it's a whole one, with details close to hand. It's the difference between a good lie and getting caught.
Tamora PierceYou have an audience that is fairly well grounded in the real world. You serve them and yourself best by making everything as real as possible.
Tamora PierceAfter I recovered from 'Lioness', I wanted to write something about animals because I really like mythical creatures, especially dragons. At 12, I was one of those semi-recluses who did better with animals than people. Out of that, came the character, Daine, who could communicate with animals.
Tamora PierceBriar: "They never tell you some things. They tell you mages have wonderful power and they learn all kinds of secrets. Nobody ever mentions that some secrets you don't ever want to learn." Rosethorn: "All you can do is learn good to balance the bad. Learn and do all the good within your reach. Then, if you wake in a sweat, you have something to set against the dream.
Tamora PierceHe was overconfidentโ, she told him. โAnd I won so the gods must have thought I was right. Otherwise theyโd have made me lose. You know how trial by combat works.โ โYou won because you were goodโ he corrected her. โI find it hard to believe the gods sit forever about the Divine Realms betting on jousts and trials by combat.
Tamora Pierce