Power, true power, comes from the belief in true things, and the willingness to stand behind that belief, even if the universe itself conspires to thwart your plans. Chaos may settle; flames may die; worlds may rise and fall. But true things will remain so, and will never fail to guide you to your goals.

James A. Owen

Categorized in : Fall Flames True Power

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.

James A. Owen

pages stories happens

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

James A. Owen

ifs want helping

Our weaknesses are always evident, both to ourselves and others. But our strengths are hidden until we choose to reveal them--and that is when we are truly tested. When all that we have within is exposed, and we may no longer blame our inadequacies for our failure, but must instead depend upon our strengths to succeed ... that is when the measure of a man is taken, my boy.

James A. Owen

taken men boys

Sometimes a catastrophe is simply a course correction.

James A. Owen

course-correction catastrophe sometimes

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

James A. Owen

toes shut-up thinking

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

James A. Owen

regret reason past

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.

James A. Owen

suffering joy trying

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.

James A. Owen

ink boys blood

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.

James A. Owen

growing-up real children

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

James A. Owen

deities prayer believe

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

James A. Owen

sacrifice moments want

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

James A. Owen

want might giving

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

James A. Owen

make-things-happen kind persons

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.

James A. Owen

choices knowing bears

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.

James A. Owen

destiny shapes determination

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

James A. Owen

wells stupidity evil

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

James A. Owen

tongue discipline sticks

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 don't believe in what it represents,' said Jack. Prayers aren't for the deity,' said Aven. 'They're for you, to recommit yourself to what you believe.' Can't you do that without praying to a dead Greek god?' Sure,' said Aven. 'But how often would anyone do that, if not in prayer?

James A. Owen

prayer wind believe

Simple,' Tummeler replied.' Blueberries is one of the great forces o'good 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 y'go,' said Tummeler. It's cause they can't stand the goodness in it.' Can't 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, 'Them's as evil as they come.

James A. Owen

pie simple people

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

James A. Owen

happened stories