Quotes by James A. Owen

Astraeus, Aven called out. God of the four winds and friend to sailors. Say a little prayer when you look at him, so he will give us what we need to keep our course.A little prayer? said Jack. To a constellation?To what it represents, said Aven.But I dont believe in what it represents, said Jack.Prayers arent for the deity, said Aven. Theyre for you, to recommit yourself to what you believe.Cant you do that without praying to a dead Greek god?Sure, said Aven. But how often would anyone do that, if not in prayer?

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

Jack, said Charles, hes making up words again.Yes, Jack replied, but hes getting better at it, dont you think?

It aint bragging if youve done it. Theres nothing wrong with being proud of doing something well. In fact, if you intend to do something creative for a living, its absolutely essential.[check for wording] Proper pride says, Im good at this. Improper pride says, Im better than you.

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

Im 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.

Simple, Tummeler replied. Blueberries is one of the great forces ogood in the world. How do you figure that? said Charles. Well, said Tummeler, have you ever seen a troll, or a Wendigo, or, he shuddered, a Shadow-Born ever eating a blueberry pie? No, Charles admitted. There ygo, said Tummeler. Its cause they cant stand the goodness in it. Cant argue with you there, said Charles. Foods is good and evil, just like people, or badgers, or even scowlers. Evil food? said Charles. Parsnips, said Tummeler, Thems as evil as they come.

If I cant joke about imminent death, then I might as well just resign.

Just because Im a murdering, thieving, cowardly, traitorous sort doesnt mean I cant do my job properly.

said Jack matter-of-factly. Im a man. Were made to think more quickly. ...Aven swung her fist and clocked Jack square on the chin, knocking him backward into the balloon, which was still under repair....Aven rubbed her knuckles and looked at the others. Sorry about that. I might have stopped myself from hitting him, but I didnt think of it quickly enough.

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

I know,” said Peter. “Perhaps better than anyone. But you can’t stay a child forever. To choose to speak into Echo’s Well is to choose illusion. To choose to avoid the responsibilities of being an adult. The real trick—the real choice—is to keep the best of the child you were, without forgetting when you grow up.“It is the best of both worlds, Jack. Being a child is to believe in magic everywhere…“…but even Peter Pan had to grow up one day.

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.

Dont ascribe to evil what can be attributed to well-intentioned stupidity.

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.

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

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

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. Youre a Sox fan too, hey?

Thats the thing about time travel — youre always moving forward, even when you go back.