Michael Knost > Quotes

“We spend most of our life bleeding from a blade that cuts from the inside out. . . I'm tired of bleeding.”
― Michael Knost, Return of the Mothman

“Ted was glad she didn't use the phrase survivor's guilt. He'd heard that so often it made him sick. Yes, he was alive, yes he felt guilt, but he was anything but a survivor.”
― Michael Knost, Return of the Mothman

“Have you ever noticed how coal dust makes a man look as though he's frowning. . . There's something about coal dust on a man's face that makes him look sad even when he's smiling. . . You know, like a mask.”
― Michael Knost, Return of the Mothman

“I always wondered why you planted your roses outside the wall." (Ted)

"I didn't. Momma put 'em there before Daddy built the wall." (Myrtle)

"You're kidding? How long have they been there?"

"My guess would be 'round eighty years." Her eyes brightened. "The key is plenty of watering, pruning, and mulching."

"Oh, I know the hours you've spent with them."

"Cultivating relationships, Momma called it." Her smile widened. "They're like old friends.”
― Michael Knost, Return of the Mothman

“The skilled writer of speculative fiction remembers that every sentence performs at least two and preferably three of the following four tasks: creating or resolving tension (i.e., asking or answering questions that move the plot forward); developing theme; illuminating character; and building the world.”
― Michael Knost, Writers Workshop of Science Fiction & Fantasy