But in his experience it was only a matter of time before the normal balance of the universe restored itself and started doing the usual terrible things to him.

I'd go for "really great writer." Although I don't think I am. I know I have a style which is recognizable. I think you can see Terry Pratchett in every book. I like doing it. I was once a journalist. And I think of myself as a journalist, and that's it.

Sometimes I really think people ought to have to pass a proper exam before they're allowed to be parents. Not just the practical, I mean.

The world is a globe — the farther you sail, the closer to home you are.

People who used magic without knowing what they were doing usually came to a sticky end. All over the entire room, sometimes.

The universe was bad enough without people poking it.

Or -- and this she knew was a far more accurate way of looking at it -- the book was true and reality was lying.