I think, therefore I thought.

“I think…” Crispin stopped to think about what he thought.

I've been working on The Piper's Debt, and this is the last line I've written so far today. I just had to stop for a moment because I was about to break out in giggles. What kind of stupid line is that? I typed it out thinking that I was pretty dern clever then stopped because something didn't feel right. I reread the sentence and then tried to think of another way to word it. I didn't feel like rewording it. I actually like it.

For now it's going to stay in. I should probably get rid of it later, just as I kept saying I should get rid of the exploding goat scene in Death to Life. Will I get rid of it? Well, the exploding goat scene is still there and I like it. I like this sentence too, even though it is stupid. It portrays Crispin's character very well. It keeps the tone of the book light, and sticks in a bit of humor. But would readers see this in the midst of the book and roll their eyes? Throw the book away in irritation? Laugh? Laughing is okay, as long as they aren't laughing at me, but rather with me.

I like lines like this. In the first chapter of The Shadow Waltz there's a line about the wizard wanting to get money and move out of his drafty tower. When I had this chapter reviewed only two people caught the humor in this. About the same number thought I must have not meant to be funny and should edit it out. Everyone else didn't notice at all.

And so, for now the line stays. Maybe I'll get a bit of sense in the rewrites and kick it out. Probably not. Exploding goats, people thinking about thinking, it's all good stuff.