“You have to be a bit of a liar to tell a story the right way.”

“All stories are true,” Skarpi said. “But this one really happened, if that’s what you mean.” He took another slow drink, then smiled again, his bright eyes dancing. “More or less. You have to be a bit of a liar to tell a story the right way. Too much truth confuses the facts. Too much honesty makes you sound insincere.”

“There’s no right way to tell all stories, only the right way to tell a particular story.”

“We have the right, and the obligation, to tell old stories in our own ways, because they are our stories.”

“There is no right or wrong way to tell a story. You have to find your own way. You can get your idea from listening, looking, or imagining. Stories are everywhere. All you have to do is pay attention.”

“Tell the truth. That way you don't have to remember a story.”