“Why do human infants get slapped at birth? Other animals don’t get slapped into existence. It’s because human adults want obedience and power—and it makes the parents feel good.” #writing #character

“An interesting character is one who either does something you want them to do, or does something unexpected that makes you want to do what they did.” #writing #character

“A blank page, like a blank person, can be molded and shaped into something almost human.” #writing

“He went around sniffing chairs to see if anyone had sat in them.” #writing #character

“The Reliquary of Endless Caffeine” #writing #throwawayline

“Just because someone hates you doesn’t mean they don’t want to kill you. Still, that’s no excuse to killing them first.” #writing

“Put your nose to the litterbox.” #writing #throwawayline

I’ve written paranormal, but I’ve never written a novel based on a magic system. Which makes me wonder. What is the difference between “genre” and life? And why do people focus on one over the other? #life #genre #writing

Conflict happens because you disagree with the universe. #writing #character

“Life is the nightmare you live.” #writing #life

A MacGuffins, in fiction, doesn”t need to be something everyone wants. It can be an item one character (crucial to the plot) wants. It doesn’t need to be the protagonist who wants it.. A McGuffin, does not define the protagonist/antagonist. #writing #character

In writing, we all look for people we with whom we can identify. The universe doesn’t provide enough of those. #writing #character

“The problem with dumb luck is that it tends to happen to the dumb.” #writing

“Life is an exercise you try to do until you’re dead.” #writing

Simple objects can be critical to the meaning/existence of a character, not just the universe/reality. #writing #character

Do you write books with symbolism? Why use symbolism over just stating your point? Yes it’s more “high-fallutin’” but can be lost. “Sometimes, a dream is reality.” #writing #symbolism

“Some people are just reactions to what happens in their life, and not a complete person.” #writing

Things I’v learnt as a pantser: outlining is time well-spent. an outline should be thrown out once complete. It’s bound to be broken. trust your instinct/muse/money/drugs/rocknroll write for the love not the money. You don’t want to be an artistic prostitute. Flame on! #writing

I got a nice response to “The Cat and the Warlock” this morning. That’s always appreciated. #writing

“Being “found out” isn’t a bad thing. It reveals (not exposes) to the world who you are, not what you present. It’s your job to ensure you are what you present.” #writing #life

There is a version of writing called “profiteering”. This is where you get good at marketing and writing the books people want to read. This doesn’t make you a “better” writer. Flame on! #writing

“Death is the first step in losing your beliefs.” #writing #life

“We all stand for something. Even if it’s refusing to stand for anything. How you stand also matters.” #writing

“Not fearing death doesn’t mean you look forward to dying.” #writing

“Adventures are never fun if you die in one.” #writing