Lyra and her dæmon moved through the darkening hall, taking care to keep to one side, out of sight of the kitchen. - Philip Pullman

We are all subject to the fates. But we must all act as if we are not,” said the witch, “or die of despair.

Being cheerful starts now, Will thought as hard as he could, but it was like trying to hold a fighting wolf still in his arms when it wanted to claw at his face and tear out his throat; nevertheless, he did it, and he thought no one could see the effort it cost him.

All writing is difficult. The most you can hope for is a day when it goes reasonably easily. Plumbers don’t get plumber’s block, and doctors don’t get doctor’s block; why should writers be the only profession that gives a special name to the difficulty of working, and then expects sympathy for it?