Writers tell stories better, because they've had more practice, but everyone has a book in them. Yes, that old cliche.

Writers tell stories better, because they've had more practice, but everyone has a book in them. Yes, that old cliche.

I love writers all across the board, but one who influenced me very directly at the beginning was Mary Renault.

Usually the characters lead, but sometimes you have such a strong theme that... they won't let you.

I held out my book. It was precious to me, as were all the things I'd written; even where I despised their inadequacy there was not one I would disown. Each tore its way from my entrails. Each had shortened my life, killed me with its own special little death.

I hate the way, once you start to know someone, care about them, their behavior can distress you, even when it's unreasonable and not your fault, even if you were really trying to be careful, tactful.