If you aren't having fun, if you aren't anxious to find out what happens next as you write, then not only will you run out of steam on the story, but you won't be able to entertain anyone else, either.

Briar: "So I guess I was the last to know." Rosethorn: "Of course you are. You're a man, aren't you?

You've been nipping at cook's wine!!

Dale: "No, no--curse it, Beka, you're the prickliest woman I've ever met!" Goodwin: "No, I am. But she comes very close, I have to say." — Dale Rowan and Clara Goodwin when Beka didn't want to accept money for being Dale's "luck

It's been interesting, "Frostpine said casually. "I wanted Daja to get some experience of other smiths'-and other mages'- ways of doing things, if only so she can see mine is best.

My new knight mistress is famed for wielding sharp edges: Sword, Knife and Tongue!

You 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.