Marie Brennan Quotations

I honestly think anthropology is one of the most useful fields a fantasy writer can study, more so even than history.

I chose my pen name when I was ten, because I knew even then that my legal name would be more trouble than it was worth.

I didn't really distinguish between genre and not-genre as a kid, until I made the transition to adult fantasy via Terry Brooks.

I read a lot of the 'Pern books' growing up - basically up through 'All the Weyrs of Pern,' maybe a couple after that. As far as formative dragon influences are concerned, she's probably one of the top ones; I know I read other fantasy novels that had them, but none particularly stick in mind.

Schools are compulsory for about ten years of a person's life. They are, perhaps, the only compulsory institutions for all citizens, although those with full membership in schools are not yet treated as full citizens of our society...

But coming to terms with one’s sorrow is one thing; sharing it with strangers is quite another.

Matriarchy is a time-honored staple for any writer looking to invent an exotic society.

When I'm working on a novel, I generally do write every day, but in between those marathons, I take breaks. My brain needs time to recharge.

I'd love to see more novels and short stories where the characters have their own folklore that isn't the Plot-Bearing Prophecy of Doom.

'Fire and Hemlock' is the reason I'm a writer.