The doctrines which the Jews had been spreading throughout the land for years could not but have helped to undermine the Church's power.

When it was seen that many of the wicked seemed quite untroubled by evil conscience ... then the idea of future suffering was advanced.

...children are at heart selfish, and reasonably so, for they are programmed for survival.

I hate telling people this. I never know exactly how my voice is going to sound saying it, and I hate the stricken looks they get on their faces when they don't know what to say back.

Don't be angry, Finnula had said, be smart.

Write about only three things: what you love, what you hate, and what you’re deeply conflicted about.

The actual fights themselves are very demanding. You don't want to drain yourself. But it pumps you up, gets you in the zone. It's a good way of getting you into the zone for the scene.

We don't have meetings unless absolutely necessary.

I want to write for history, not for the moment.

....oysters are the only food that never causes indigestion. Indeed, a man would have to eat sixteen dozen of these acephalous molluscs in order to gain the 315 grammes of nitrogen he requires daily.

Rota's personality is compatible with mine.

But forgiveness must not only be given but received also.