We do not want to be beginners [at prayer]. but let us be convinced of the fact that we will never be anything but beginners, all our life! - Thomas Merton
A lot of (children's literature) beginners get bogged down by morals. A moral should never be driving the story. And a moral should never be confused with a plot. You can't preach to kids, and you can't talk down to them, either. It's amazing how they sense condescension. - Patty Smith