Sherwood Smith Quotes

Powerful Sherwood Smith for Daily Growth

About Sherwood Smith

Sherwood Smith (born March 16, 1956) is an American fantasy and science fiction author, renowned for her intricate world-building, compelling characters, and emotional storytelling. Born in the United States, Smith spent much of her childhood in Europe and Asia, experiences that significantly influenced her writing. Smith's professional career began in 1986 with the publication of "Indelible Silver", a collection of short stories. However, it was her debut novel, "The Crown of the Goddess" (1987), which marked the start of her most famous series, the "Inda" cycle. This epic fantasy saga is set in a richly detailed world and follows the lives of several characters across multiple generations, exploring themes of destiny, politics, and love. In 1995, Smith published "Crown Duel", the first book in her "Crown Series". This duology is a young adult science fiction series set in a future where individuals have the ability to create alternate realities. The books are notable for their exploration of complex moral questions and their nuanced portrayal of relationships between characters. Smith's works are characterized by their deep emotional resonance, intricate plotlines, and memorable characters. She is known for her ability to create complex, multi-dimensional worlds that captivate readers and draw them into the narrative. Smith continues to write and publish today, with her latest work, "The Exile's Violin", released in 2019. Her contributions to fantasy literature have made her a beloved figure among fans and critics alike.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"Hope is not the same as a plan."

This quote by Sherwood Smith underscores the importance of distinction between hope and planning in achieving one's goals or overcoming obstacles. Hope signifies an optimistic desire for something to happen, while a plan involves setting concrete steps to make that desired outcome a reality. In essence, hoping is a mental state, but planning is an actionable strategy. Having hope without a plan may provide motivation and positive outlook, but it lacks the practical approach necessary to bring change or progress. Thus, a successful journey requires both - the optimism of hope and the pragmatism of a plan.


"Friendship can grow from shared sorrow or joy; but it must have roots in truth."

This quote emphasizes that genuine friendships are built on a foundation of honesty, which allows for deep connections to form, regardless of whether they originate from shared happiness or hardship. The 'roots in truth' refer to the fundamental understanding between friends, which is essential for lasting friendships. This understanding can be fostered through open and sincere communication, allowing friendships to grow stronger over time as they weather life's ups and downs.


"No matter what anyone says, love isn't just about the heart."

This quote suggests that love encompasses more than just the emotional or romantic aspects associated with the heart. It implies that love can also be expressed through actions, thoughts, and commitments, implying a broader perspective on the nature of love beyond mere feelings.


"The most powerful magic is ordinary human kindness."

This quote by Sherwood Smith emphasizes that the greatest form of magic lies not in supernatural abilities or mystical powers, but in simple human kindness. The author suggests that acts of compassion, empathy, and understanding hold immense power in shaping individuals' lives and communities. Kindness has the ability to heal wounds, foster connections, and create a more harmonious world, making it a truly magical force.


"Courage is not the absence of fear, but the decision that something else is more important."

This quote by Sherwood Smith emphasizes that courage doesn't mean being unafraid, rather it signifies choosing to act despite feelings of fear or anxiety. It underscores the value we place on other priorities over our apprehensions, demonstrating resilience, determination, and personal integrity in the face of challenges.


Female authors were still using male names when I was young, or they were neatly shoehorned into 'women's books' except for those few that men could always point at when the disparity was pointed out.

- Sherwood Smith

Young, Point, Neatly, Pointed

Like many science fiction lovers of my generation, I discovered Andre Norton on the shelves at the junior high's library.

- Sherwood Smith

Generation, Andre, Norton, Junior

When I turned thirteen and took a typing class, with typical early teen enthusiasm and total lack of critical ability, I started sending my stuff to publishers once I'd babysat long enough to earn the postage.

- Sherwood Smith

Long, Critical, Turned, Thirteen

As a kid, I pretty much got nothing but scorn, and occasionally active animus, for writing fantasy and squirreling it away in my closet and, later, under the mattress supports in my bed.

- Sherwood Smith

Bed, Pretty, Mattress, Supports

I have made number mistakes - I have such bad number dyslexia that I can look at a number and see the wrong one. I can't remember them worth beans.

- Sherwood Smith

Mistakes, Bad, Made, Beans

In my generation, if a man washes the dishes, the older women still tend to cluster around and coo and thank him and praise him. But if a woman washes the dishes, it's business as usual, even if both man and woman have tough office jobs.

- Sherwood Smith

Woman, Older Women, Cluster, Older

The history of fan fiction demonstrates how efficient, and effective, women have been at pooling together to get what they want out of their stories. It's been a largely female-driven world.

- Sherwood Smith

Fiction, Been, Stories, Largely

What is interesting to me is looking at how male and female writers depict men who, come in behind to fill those domestic duties, deal with personal and cultural lack of respect for doing what is lingeringly perceived as 'women's work.'

- Sherwood Smith

Doing, Behind, Deal, Perceived

I was as eager a writer as I was a reader.

- Sherwood Smith

Writer, Reader, Eager

If you're searching for quotes on a different topic, feel free to browse our Topics page or explore a diverse collection of quotes from various Authors to find inspiration.