Some movies are so classic you can start quoting them around strangers and they know exactly what you’re talking about. One of those movies is The Princess Bride. (I’ll let you in on a little secret – in my recently released book, The Apple of My Eye, I couldn’t help but quote it!) So, here’s what I’ve learned about life (and thereby I’ve included it in my writing) from The Princess Bride.

1. Brains beat rocks. Westley, as the Dread Pirate Roberts, bests Fezzig by using his brain. (Okay, so Fezzig has been specializing in groups lately, but let’s not blow my turn of phrase . . .) I love to write characters who think, and I love it when my children think!

2. Patience and persistence pay off. When the battle is brain versus brain, Westley demonstrates that persistence and patience have served him well, as evidenced by his spending the last several years building an immunity to Iocane powder. There’s nothing like a little persistence, coupled with brains, to accomplish something great!

3. Very little is actually inconceivable. Vizzini is fond of the word inconceivable, even though he is wrong every time he uses it. I have learned that I can accomplish anything I set my mind to. I may not be able to be President – because that depends on voter’s choices, but I could write a novel. Oh, that’s right – I just did that!

4. Keep an eye out for a “Miracle Max.” We all need help in this life. Don’t be afraid to reach out to friends and family for that extra little help so you can get over those hurdles (like being almost dead). And on the writing side of things – great main characters are always enhanced by interesting side kicks and friends.

5. Always have a white horse handy (or a friend to provide one). Fezzig comes through in the end with his collection of horses for everyone’s escape. Have a back up plan for life, and even better – friends to help you with the back up plan. (Great novels always have great back up plans – or as I’ll call them – twists and unexpected endings!)

6. If all else fails, storm the castle. Enough said?