What Marktx said- great books, great writing, great mechanics. I also suggest the Dresden Files, and urban fantasy about a wizard detective.
Research research research. Can't get enough of it. Writing some military fantasy? research old tactics, weapons, armor, and historical battles....
Don't know much about the character himself, but I like the concept. Is your world's magic, or maybe just a... "school" of magic done by using...
A spirit could teach him, like suddenly BANSHEES said. Thats what I would do in your situation. In fact, thats what i'm doing in my own situation.
The Dresden Files, by Jim Butcher. Read and learn.
Ziggy tis correct, watch those shows (house and futurama are my personal favorites), and read stories with witty characters. Hang out with some...
Remember, show, don't tell ;) Make the world, draw some maps and flesh out all the details before you begin writing.
I most fear losing the person who is closest to me. Or seeing her injured in some way shape or form.
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