Quotes from Lynn Flewelling

When I started writing 'Luck in the Shadows,' I just wanted to create an adventure story.

I love all of my books. They were labors of love; I was striving to create something well done, and I do feel I succeeded.

I was always a 'let's pretend' kind of kid.

I think the key is to give the reader characters they not only care about, but identify with, and to never take away all hope.

Realism isn't something most people associate with the fantasy genre, yet it's an essential element of great fantasy writing.

I come from a very small city in a rather remote part of America, where writers simply weren't part of the daily fabric.

The real world is the fantasy writer's scrapbook. Real history, real geography, real customs and religions are all invaluable sources of guidance and inspiration.

If you set your story in Rome, Ireland or Sheboygan, for that matter, go there. If you're broke, set it in the town where you live, or where you grew up.

Setting is the bedrock of your story. If you choose a real-world backdrop, be certain you get your facts straight.

It would be lovely if it was all Right vs. Wrong, Good overcomes Evil - I think most Americans, going about their daily lives, fool themselves into thinking that that's how our little world works, but it just isn't so.

The move to creating stories was a natural progression for me, but the most pivotal time was probably in 6th grade: That year, a friend introduced me to the stories of Ray Bradbury, and a student teacher introduced me to creative writing.

Then again, I don't suppose the very poor care much about the doings of the rich, either. The gulf is too wide. Not many have been on both sides of it, as we have.

At court you must say less than you think and only speak as much of the truth as will do you good.

They have no awe left in them for the little marvels. All their wonder has turned to appetite.

You always have a choice. Don't ever imagine that you don't. Whatever you do, it's a decision and you have to accept responsibility for it. That's when honor becomes more than empty words.

Evil is always with us. The balance is all.

All kindness goes out the window when you put a metal collar around the neck of another person. Those poor broken souls with the scars of bondage still showing didn't look as if they'd been overwhelmed with kindness.

I need your trust in this, Alec. Can you give it?" Alec looked sidelong at the fire for a long moment, then locked eyes with him again, and replied in halting Aurenfaie, "Rei phoril tos tokun meh brithir, vri sh'ruit'ya." Though you thrust your dagger at my eyes, I will not flinch. A solemn oath, and one Seregil had pledged him not so long ago.

It's one thing to accept one's destiny. It's quite another to live it.

Tobin had spent the first twelve years of his life living a lie, and the last two trying to ignore the truth.

Luck in the Shadows, Alec; you don't question it, you just give thanks and pray it doesn't run out!

Who is that?" Alec asked, puzzled by the man's silence. "That's Rhiri. He's deaf, mute, and absolutely loyal. Best servant I ever found.

Put away that twopenny toy, you tit-sucking coistril, and show me the length of your blade!

Everything we do, talí, we do with honor.