Quotes from Barbara Mertz

Getting an idea for a book is not the problem, but you need 300 ideas - an idea a page.

Most men are reasonably useful in a crisis. The difficulty lies in convincing them that the situation has reached a critical point

If you take a man by surprise, and behave with sufficient arrogance, he will generally do what you ask. -Emerson

When men start talking about 'honor', there is sure to be trouble ahead.

Giving other people advice is one of the most irritating and useless activities known to man.

The opportunity to lecture had restored my good humor.

Humor is an excellent method of keeping a tight rein on unproductive displays of emotion.

To argue without knowledge is like trying to weave without thread.

I am so tired of ruggedly handsome heroes. I don't know too many ruggedly handsome people who are necessarily nice people. In fact, the beautiful people have a big handicap because they rely too much on their appearance and don't bother to become interesting.

I've been reading ghost stories ever since I could read. I'm immensely curious about ghosts and UFOs and all that stuff, but I'm a very hard-headed person.

Sometimes the characters develop almost without your knowing it. You find them doing things you hadn't planned on, and then I have to go back to page 42 and fix things. I'm not recommending it as a way to write. It's very sloppy, but it works for me.

A man asking for help ought to at least give directions.

No woman really wants a man to carry her off; she only wants him to want to do it.

I have no writing habit. I work when I feel like it, and I work when I have to - mostly the latter.

I can do a book in three months if I spend all day, seven days a week at it and, in fact, I work better that way.

It may take us a little longer to reach the summit, but never fear, we will get there!