James A. Owen Quotes

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.

If you really want to do something, no one can stop you. But if you really don’t want to do something, no one can help you

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

Sometimes a catastrophe is simply a course correction.

If everything in the past has value, then there’s no reason for regret, ever.

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Interesting doesn't always equal practical, but being practical is always less interesting.

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.

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

A really well-done first draft of a book bares your soul. The purpose of revision is so that everyone who reads the published version believes you were writing about theirs.

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