James A. Owen Quotes

I'm a conundrum. Or an enigma. I forget which.

I think that nonexistent mythological creature just broke some of your toes," Jack said.
Oh, shut up," said Charles

I cannot be defeated, because you are not my opponent. I cannot lose, because I am not fighting. And in the end, all I have to do to win is honor the path I have chosen and honor yours, too.

Live deliberately. Decide: are you the kind of person things happen to, or the kind of person who makes things happen?

Just because I'm a murdering, thieving, cowardly, traitorous sort doesn't mean I can't do my job properly.

Your ability to shape your destiny is directly proportional to your belief that it is a matter of will and determination
however much or little that belief may be.

The single biggest advantage of being completely surrounded is that it gives you the opportunity to attack the enemy in any direction you choose.

Sometimes, it is not about guarding something of value that is important, but rather, being a valuable guard, so that when that thing comes along that needs guarding, there is no question.

My name is Samaranth," said the great red beast, "and all those you see around you declined my invitation, opting instead to help themselves to the treasure. So, Sons of Adam, choose. Will you drink with me, or do you want to plunder, and die?"

"Are you serious?" said Jack. "Tea or death? Of course we'll take the tea." The others all nodded in enthusiastic agreement. "What kind of fool would choose death?"

"Bet they wuz Cambridge scowlers, eh, master Charles?" said Tummeler with a wink.

"Undoubtedly," said Charles.

The Secret of Drawing consists of just two things: 1) Making lines on paper; and 2) Choosing where they go.

Never, ever, sacrifice what you want the most, for what you want the most at that moment.

That's the thing about time travel - you're always moving forward, even when you go back.

All stories are true. But some of them never happened.

Jack," said Charles, "he's making up words again."
"Yes," Jack replied, "but he's getting better at it, don't you think?

Kind of bloodthirsty, don't you think, Charles?" said John.
"I'm an editor," said Charles. "I have to make decisions like that all the time.

That's a shame," said Bert, "to run out of crackers before you've run out of emergency.

If you know something bad is coming, can't you plan to avoid it or try to do something differently?" said Charles.
Probably", said the Cartographer, "but then the good events would have no flavor. The joy you find in life is paid for by suffering that comes later, just as sometimes, the suffering is redeemed by a joy unexpected. That's the trade that makes a life worth living.

Sometimes a catastrophe is simply a course correction.

Discipline, Norah. If you're going to taunt them, remember to stick out your tongue.

I think the idea of simply "enduring to the end" is a terrible philosophy and an awful way to live one's life. How you spend your days is how you live your life, and if you're spending them "enduring" anything then you're doing it wrong.

It ain't bragging if you've done it. There's nothing wrong with being proud of doing something well. In fact, if you intend to do something creative for a living, it's absolutely essential.
[check for wording] Proper pride says, "I'm good at this." Improper pride says, "I'm better than you.

Prayers aren't for the deity ... They're for you, to recommit yourself to what you believe.

Some of us got our reputations because we wrote good books or had clever publicists. He got his reputation through sheer hard work.

It is the world, my boy," he said. "All the World, in ink and blood, vellum and parchment, leather and hide. It is the World, and it is yours to save or lose.

Like all the other arrivals to the tournament, Hank had erected a banner in front. It was a long, tapering pennant with a blue and red circular design in the center and the words GO CUBS! on both sides.
Interesting," said Hugo. "What does it mean?"
It was a gift from Sam," Hank explained as they entered the tent. "He said it used to represent Triumph over Adversity, but now better represents Impossible Quests and Lost Causes."
I think I preferred not knowing that," said Hugo.
Hank grinned. "You're a Sox fan too, hey?

That isn't a desperate act. That's a PLAN.

Bad things can happen, and often do
but they only take up a few pages of your story; and anyone can survive a few pages.

You're a very odd man," said Bert.
"I get that more often than you'd think," replied Charles.

Not many people can lay claim to having broken Time, and we did it purely by accident.

A choice with no consequences has no value. Making a choice knowing there will be consequences, and being willing to bear them, is what distinguishes the right choices from the wrong ones.

If I can't joke about imminent death, then I might as well just resign.

Always, always ask for what you want. Because the Universe might surprise you - and give it to you.

Don't ascribe to evil what can be attributed to well-intentioned stupidity.

That's one benefit of travelling to your own future, and making the trip part of your past.