Toymaker's Creation

"Why does one enjoy writing? I believe it is based on the joy of creation. When a great visual artist finally finishes a complicated work, she feels satisfaction because she has achieved beauty ex nihilo. It is my opinion that the written or spoken word has orders of magnitude more power behind it. Our words and sentences create, in the mind of the reader, entire universes. Like a dream, these worlds feel complete and full when made by a skilled craftsman, yet paradoxically there is nothing there beyond the words on the paper.

Even though the characters in this world are defined by nothing more than collections of letters, our minds give them thoughts, hopes, and dreams beyond what we may intend. What we believe we control we may quickly find to be developing beyond our expectations. It is for this reason our craft is dangerous. Those who abuse this gift will destroy more than they create. The gift is meant for all, but be careful not to cast your pearls before swine.

Go. Create. Destroy when you must. Remember that only what is written is true."

• Brightstar, Chief Wordsmith of the Allwriters Guild