Garth Nix Quotes

I find the presence of the sea quite inspiring, and sometimes I do just get out and walk around and take in the sea breeze to try and clear my mind. ~ Garth Nix

Fear and realisation of ignorance, strong medicines against stupid pride. ~ Garth Nix

Should have told you . . . betrayed . . . the Bile . . . ~ Garth Nix

You have to know where you are to know where to go. ~ Garth Nix

Are you . . . are you the athask? The great one?" "Maybe," said Mogget. "I can't remember." "Mogget, ~ Garth Nix

Coils within coils," murmured the cat. "Fleas upon fleas, idiots begetting idiots - "

"What?"

"Mmm, just thinking," whispered Mogget. "You should try it sometimes. ~ Garth Nix

Clearly the Old One had the capacity to kill - or easily deliver some sort of final ending that sounded remarkably like death. ~ Garth Nix

...I don't expect to need rescuing. I'm not that kind of princess. ~ Garth Nix

Since being a prisoner was a definite improvement over being dead, which was what she thought was going to happen when the Loundergs had attacked, Suzy was quite cheerful. ~ Garth Nix

I'm not going," he said. He held up the Third key like a weapon. Sensing his mood, it grew longer and sharper, till he was holding a trident as long as he was tall ... "And anyone who tries to make me is going to suffer."
"Twice," added the voice under the table. ~ Garth Nix

She was no longer a shy Second Assistant Librarian. She was the Abhorsen-in-Waiting. ~ Garth Nix

All things a wizard makes are flawed in some way. A Good Wizard, like myself, will do this intentionally. A Bad Wizard's works will have some accidental flaw, derived from their nature. All our work has some weakness.

But why?

To limit the object's power, said the Good Wizard softly. Power is always best limited. ~ Garth Nix

A breath? she asked. She didn't want to kiss just any wooden man. He looked nice enough, but he might not be like his looks. A kiss seemed very forward. He might remember it, and make assumptions. ~ Garth Nix

Soft, the snow falling/Steam spiraling from coffee/The slain cold and still ~ Garth Nix

Our parts now
which perforce we must play
are not father and daughter, but one old Abhorsen, making way for the new. But behind this, there is always my love. ~ Garth Nix

It's a long way back. she said softly.
Nick shrugged and held her hand tighter. Not so far as we've come already. ~ Garth Nix

Ever thought of becoming a wizard?' - The Good Wizard
'Not before now,' said Anya. 'I've always wanted to be a sorcerer...'
Her voice trailed off as the Good Wizard raised her eyebrows.
'But not so much anymore,' continued Anya. ~ Garth Nix

The 'rob from the rich, give to the poor' is more of a general overview than a specific thing we have to do every time. It really means making sure those who have too much do some sharing with those who have too little, and it isn't always just about valuables or money or even basic things like food. It is also about sharing power and opportunities. ~ Garth Nix

I didn't know why he became a tree. I don't really know anything about why druids become trees-

Peace and quiet, said Elisandria matter-of-factly. Abdication of responsibility. A good long sleep. All of that. ~ Garth Nix

As it 'appens, I am Arthur's right-hand man," said Suzy. "Or left-hand girl, I can't remember where I stood last time. Anyhow, me and Arthur is like two fingers of a gauntlet. Or at least the thumb and the little finger. I mean, I'm his top General, and all. So if I say you're in, you're in. ~ Garth Nix

I wish I had adventures like you do," Leaf said as she traced her finger over the writing on the invitation.
"They didn't feel like adventures," said Arthur. ~ Garth Nix

Oh, fierce librarians, then? Tell you to shush and that sort of thing? ~ Garth Nix

Everything moved rapidly after the tea was drunk. ~ Garth Nix

Waiting feeds fear. Courage comes with deeds. ~ Garth Nix

I don't have a lot of valuables on me at the moment though... and I need the ones I have for my Quest. Could you perhaps agree to rob me later? - Anya ~ Garth Nix

I am Abhorsen ... "
He looked at the baby again and added, almost with a note of surprise, "Father of Sabriel ~ Garth Nix

Lirael almost apologized, but she held it back. She did feel sorry for Nick. It wasn't his fault he had been chosen by an ancient spirit of evil to be its avatar. She even felt sort of maternal to him. He needed to be tucked in bed and fed willow-bark tea. That thought led to the idle speculation of what he might look like if he were well. He could be quite handsome, Lirael thought, and then instantly banished the notion. He might be an unwitting enemy, but he was still an enemy. ~ Garth Nix

Alternatives! Probabilities! ~ Garth Nix

I suppose you could call me ... Soot," said the thing. "Yes ... Soot. I have breathed it, lived in it, and eaten it for so long that it is a fitting name."
"Eaten it?" asked Suzy. "Why eat soot?"
"Boredom," said Soot. ~ Garth Nix

They passed it late in the afternoon, their single sail stretched to bursting, clinker-built hull heeling well over, bow slicing up a column of spray that salted mouths, eyes and bodies. ~ Garth Nix

Interestingly, it is often the younger members of the audience who ask the most sophisticated questions. ~ Garth Nix

So are you saying that somebody went to all the trouble to make you a crypt a thousand years ago on the off chance that you might turn up one day, walk in, and have a convenient heart attack? ~ Garth Nix

Maybe if I act well enough, I'll come to believe it myself. ~ Garth Nix

You mortals arose from the possibility she made and, though she always liked to think so, are consequently not of her direct design. ~ Garth Nix

I am not afraid," he said to himself. ~ Garth Nix

I like to write books that I would have liked as a child, that would have got me thinking and imagining beyond the words on the page. In a way, my audience is always how I remember myself as a child. ~ Garth Nix

If she had been in a pointing competition, she would have lost points. ~ Garth Nix

Let this be my final lesson. Everyone and everything has a time to die. ~ Garth Nix

For everyone and everything, there is a time to die. Some do not know it, or would delay it, but its truth cannot be denied. Not when you look into the stars of the ninth gate. ~ Garth Nix

They had an instictive ability to love, so that when they encountered each other, they fitted together in a way that made the two of them more than each could ever be on their own ~ Garth Nix

I have never known what to tell anybody. Except that it is better to do something than nothing, even if the cost is great. ~ Garth Nix

There is never one absolutely right thing to do. All you can do is honor what you believe, accept the consequences of your own actions, and make the best out of what happens. ~ Garth Nix

Together, the bells and Dog sang a song that was more than sound and power. It was the song of the earth, the moon, the stars, the sea, and the sky, of Life and Death and all that was and would be. It was the song of the Charter, the song that had bound Orannis in the long ago, the song that sought to bind the Destroyer once again. ~ Garth Nix

Conor had volunteered to carry it, perhaps hoping it would make the others think better of him. Rollan ~ Garth Nix

Being published is not a necessary validation or a path everyone wants to take with their work. Writing - and finishing - a novel is a great thing in itself, whether or not the book is published, or becomes widely-read or not. ~ Garth Nix

But think of how much worse it would be to sit here, not knowing. Until the Dead choke the Ratterlin and Hedge walks across the dry bed of the river to batter down the door. ~ Garth Nix

… I wonder why she hasn't spread the tale."
"The only reason she would not is if she is ill or the story would somehow reflect badly on herself," replied Lady Badgery. "Otherwise, Portia Troutbridge has never been known to keep a scandal to herself."
"Oh, I do hope she is ill!" exclaimed Truthful. "I mean, only just ill enough to keep the news quiet for a little longer. Is that too dreadful of me?"
"Not at all," announced Lady Badgery. "It is a very reasonable desire. In the case of Portia Troutbridge I myself would wish for something much more severe. Scarlet fever, perhaps. Or the plague. ~ Garth Nix

I can understand the natural anxiety of readers when waiting for another installment of a favourite series, but I think it is much more important to get a book right than it is to have it appear on time. ~ Garth Nix

Keys to the Kingdom Mister Monday Garth Nix BOOK ONE ~ Garth Nix

Charity is a very labour-intensive virtue. ~ Garth Nix

your librarians go into battle?" "When they must," said Lirael. "The Library is very old, and deep, and contains many things that have been put away for good reason. Creatures, dangerous knowledge, artifacts made not wisely, but too well . . . books that should not be opened without proper preparation, some books that should never be opened at all." "Creatures? ~ Garth Nix

Bee stings are very educational ~ Garth Nix

What do you mean? I am Mogget, of course. The one and only Mogget. Though I have had other names. ~ Garth Nix

Please," said Lirael ... "I think I would like to work in this Library."
"The Library," repeated Sanar, looking troubled. "That can be dangerous to a girl of fourteen. Or a woman of forty, for that matter. ~ Garth Nix

I certainly have had experiences of a sense of wonder at the world and a feeling that even though it could all be explained rationally, it still feels that there is more to it. ~ Garth Nix

It's you I'm concerned about. You are letting your fear come between you and getting better. ~ Garth Nix

A passion thwarted will often go astray. ~ Garth Nix

Bravery is about overcoming fear, not about not having it. ~ Garth Nix

I think I would like to work in the Library."
"The Library," repeated Sanar, looking troubled. "That can be dangerous to a girl of fourteen. Or a woman of forty, for that matter."
"Only in parts," said Ryelle. "The Old Levels."
"You can't work in the Library without going into the Old Levels," said Mirelle somberly. "At least some of the time. I wouldn't be keen on going to some parts of the Library, myself. ~ Garth Nix

A hundred hundred heartbeats ... whispered Sabriel, tears falling down her face. ~ Garth Nix

I don't particularly want to meet anyone. I'm quite happy by myself. Or at least, I was, back home. ~ Garth Nix

How could anyone even start to put it all back together?'
'You start small,' said Dehlia. The raven had a very particular stare. Her single eye, bright with moonshine, was focused on Anya in a very alarming way. 'With a Quest to save one of those small kingdoms, and set it to rights, and have its ruler swear to uphold the bill. Then you go on from there. ~ Garth Nix

Sometimes it is easier to see the light when you stand partly in the darkness. ~ Garth Nix

Pause friend, be smelled and enter!"... ~ Garth Nix

Lirael didn't answer either question. She just looked at him, waiting for him to talk. He met her gaze at first, then faltered and looked away. There was something unnerving about her eyes. A toughness he had never seen in the young women he knew from the debutante parties in Corvere. It was partly this that made him talk, and partly a desire to impress her with his knowledge and intelligence. ~ Garth Nix

Hear, hear," said the Dog, raising her head. "It's always better to be doing, Prince. Besides, you don't smell like a coward, so you can't be one. ~ Garth Nix

Mogget's voice. Sam whirled around. "Mogget? Is that you? Where are you?" "Here, and regretting it as per usual," replied Mogget, and a small white cat sauntered out from behind a fern tree. ~ Garth Nix

Sixth comes Saraneth, also known as the Binder. Saraneth speaks with the deep voice of power, shackling the Dead to the wielder's will. ~ Garth Nix

All of us recruits are equal in the eyes of the Army: low as you can go. ~ Garth Nix

Unhand my tail!" squealed the Will. ~ Garth Nix

One thing I did learn early on was not to put all my trust in magic. If it can be done without magic, it's better done without magic. ~ Garth Nix

But we survived, didn't we? That makes it an adventure. If you get killed it's a tragedy. ~ Garth Nix

Knowledge, like all things, is best in moderation," intoned the Will. "Knowing everything means you don't need to think, and that is very dangerous. ~ Garth Nix

Death and what came after death was no great mystery to Sabriel. She just wished it was. ~ Garth Nix

Do not tarry, do not stop, no matter what happens. ~ Garth Nix

Blood trickled down his chin as he was hauled up onto his knees, the golden rope securing his arms behind him and his ankles together.
Arthur looked up and saw the fizzing sparkling crown coming down.
I'm Arthur Penhaligon, he thought desperately ...
The crown was wedged tightly upon his head- and Arthur fell silently screaming into darkness. ~ Garth Nix

Sam picked up his pack, but before he could put it on, Mogget leaped onto it and slid under the top flap. All that could be seen of him were his green eyes and one white-furred ear.
"Remember I advised against this way," he instructed. "Wake me when whatever terrible thing is a about to happen happens, or if it appears I might get wet. ~ Garth Nix

Midnight Visitors,' whispered Suzy fearfully. 'With nightmare-whips and night-gloves. ~ Garth Nix

[Lunch] was composed of one of the fish she had caught, evidently rescued from Mogget. This had been grilled with ginger, pepper, and some spice she didn't know, set atop a salad of grains and greenleaf, accompanied by a lightly sparkling clear wine she had to admit was delicious and refreshing. ~ Garth Nix

May I say that I approve of a piece that tries to remake the entire puzzle? ~ Garth Nix

Oh, Dog!" Lirael said plaintively, giving the hound a hug. "Why is everything so difficult?"
"It just is," said the Dog, woofling gently in her ear. "But sleep will make it seem easier. A new day will bring new sights and smells. ~ Garth Nix

I hope you find some stories here that you will enjoy, or wonder about, or that linger uncomfortably in the mind when you wish they didn't. ~ Garth Nix

Believe in Lord Arthur. Believe in your Carp. We shall prevail. ~ Garth Nix

I studied writing at university, and I actually majored in screenwriting. Then I went to work as a bookseller and then as a sales rep and publicist and then various editorial jobs until I ended up with HarperCollins in Australia. ~ Garth Nix

It always seemed somehow less real here ... a really detailed dream, but sort of washed out, like a thin watercolor. Softer, somehow, even with their electric light and engines and everything. I guess it was because there was hardly any magic. ~ Garth Nix

He was obviously a very arrogant ragamuffin, and younger than she was, to boot. And he was wearing a necromancer's bells! Apart from that, he was quite handsome, which was another black mark as far as she was concerned. ~ Garth Nix

Authors are influenced by everything they've ever read. If you've read widely enough, it helps you create your own mix. ~ Garth Nix

I won't let you go! I love you, Dog!'
'There will be other dogs and friends, and loves' whispered the Dog. 'You have found your family, your heritage, and you have earned a high place in the world. I love you too, but my time with you has passed. ~ Garth Nix

Both of them often turned to gaze at Sabriel. ~ Garth Nix

The most important thing is to be true to yourself, however you feel, and not try to feel or behave differently because you think you should, or someone has told you how you must feel. But do think about it. Unexamined feelings lead to all kinds of trouble. ~ Garth Nix

VIDEO ARCHIVE- INTERVIEW 24768 . GOLD-EYE I like trees ... grass ... only birds in sky. People walking safe. Family No Creatures. Sleep all night safe. Walk under sun in own place. Grow plants. Build. Be father with mother. Have Children. A place like Petar told me. Home. After Change goes back ... I want home. ~ Garth Nix

Millennia of servitude, Abhorsen. Chained by trickery, treachery ... captivenin a repulsive, fixed-flesh shape ... but there will be payment, slow payment - not quick, not quick at all! ~ Garth Nix

Even now, she wished she could write a note, push it across the table, and go away to her room. But she was no longer a Second Assistant Librarian of the Great Library of the Clayr. Those days were gone, vanished with everything else that had defined her previous existence and identity. ~ Garth Nix

Be careful..you're all I've got left, to remind me who I really am. ~ Garth Nix

Choosers will be beggars if the begging's not their choosing. ~ Garth Nix

I am not going to change who I am. I am human and I know how to love, and be kind, and be compassionate to those who are weaker than me. Just because I have power doesn't mean I have to use it! ~ Garth Nix

I don't watch a lot of T.V., and I hardly ever have time to keep up with series, though I do love reruns of old favorites from my childhood like 'Dr. Who', 'The Goodies', and 'Get Smart.' ~ Garth Nix

What's too late?" asked Mogget. "Hold ~ Garth Nix

If I'm not back by nightfall, come and take a very careful look, said Anya. But I don't expect to need rescuing. I'm not that kind of princess.

What kind of princess are you?

Not the kind that needs rescuing, said Anya firmly. ~ Garth Nix

Time and death sleep side by side. ~ Garth Nix