To me, people's lives and loves are entwined with their characters, natures and circumstances. I regard all general advice with skepticism.

It's hard to conceive of someone who could work for at least a few hours each day for months and years on the same story without it being close enough to their life experience to fuel their commitment.

Sadly, for those who are busy sawing off their feet to escape the trap of cliches, every story is chock full of them and sometimes depends on an especially hoary one.

Rafael Yglesias Quotes