The first rule of world-building is available physics, which basically means that if you want it to feel real, it has to follow the same rules as this world, from gravity to how human behaviour works. If you have a fantasy element that doesnt obey the laws of physics, make sure that it has a fantasy explanation.

Wisdom and knowledge is everywhere, but so is stupity.

Better to know the quick pain of truth than the ongoing pain of a long-held false hope.

Akkarin: I watched the first woman I loved die. I dont think I can survive losing the second. Sonea: I love you too.

It was impossible to imagine the aloof, dignified, powerful High Lord living as, of all things, a slave.

Inspiration comes from so many sources. Music, other fiction, the non-fiction I read, TV shows, films, news reports, people I know, stories I hear, misheard words or lyrics, dreams

I wound up studying art and design, got a job at Lonely Planet Publications as a designer, cartographer and illustrator.