'Like diamonds in a sea of zircons'

 

“Whether you are 12 or 70, you should sit down today and start being a writer if that is what you want to do. You might have to write on a notebook while your kids are playing on the swings or write in your car on your coffee break. That's okay. I think we've all 'been there, done that.' Just remember, it all starts with the writing.” – Robin Hobb

 

Hobb, born in March of 1952, is the pen name of Margaret Astrid Lindholm Ogden who took her own advice and started writing for children’s magazines at the age of 18.  While successful in that field, she thought she’d be better at science fiction and fantasy and decided to give it a try.  Since then, over the past 4 decades, she’s arguably been the most prolific writer in those fields while capturing most of the genre’s major awards.

 

Most critics have praised Hobb as “the standard setter for modern serious fantasy.” And no less writer than George R.R. Martin (author of the Game of Thrones series) said she is the best fantasy writer he has ever read.  “In today’s crowded fantasy market,” Martin said, “Robin Hobb’s books are like diamonds in a sea of zircons.”

 

“Keep writing, keep faith in the idea that you have unique stories to tell,” Hobb advises, “and tell them.”