Quotes from James A. Owen

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

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.

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.

Sometimes a catastrophe is simply a course correction.

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.

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.

What the good Lord giveth, he also taketh away. Then he puts it back again.

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

Half there, and half not, Grimalkin said, having suddenly appeared over Burton's shoulder. Sounds implausible to me.

It was a silver watch with a matching chain and fob, and on the back was an engraving of Samaranth. 'Is it a time machine?' Jack asked. 'Will it let us travel through time?' 'I believe it will,' Ordo Maas replied. 'I've found that for every minute I watch it, I move a full minute farther into the future.

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.

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

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

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

It's Elvish, Tummeler repeated. It says, basically, 'Declare allegiance, and be welcomed. Well, doesn't it perhaps mean that the magic word that opens the door is 'allegiance'? Said Jack. In Elvish? That's a stupid idea, said John. Then anyone who spoke Elvish could get in.

The Cavelries hear and their short and furrie

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.

Extending trust to those who have already proven themselves untrustworthy is a bit like cutting off the end of a rope and sewing it to the other end to make it longer.

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

Those who forget the past are doomed to repeat it... but those who remember the future can plan ahead for the weather.

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

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.

A thimble might be a kiss, a flower might be a name, and a dragon might be a ship