I picked up this book in the bookstore because I liked the dragon on the front. As I began to read, I discovered that Drawing Out the Dragons was about the personal struggles that James A. Owen went through to become a writer and artist, and the advice he gives to groups of children to inspire them to live their dreams. I was so impressed that I read it through a second time and underlined all my favorite quotes. My interest in graphic novels was rekindled, and I looked up Elfquest, which I had loved as a kid. When I looked up James Owen’s website, I was pleased to find a number of books and graphic novels. I love his artwork, and I am looking forward to reading his other books. His inspirational words can be applied not only to writers and artists, but to every person of any age who has a dream.
“I believe every one of us has something that’s very unique to us specifically. Something unique enough that no one else might really ever understand it… our point of view… No one else has your particular combination of thoughts, and dreams, and hopes, and desires, and ambitions, and memories, and experiences. no one. And I believe that every once in a while, the Universe opens itself up to you — and you alone — and shows you something that no one else is going to understand. You have to decide in that moment how much you believe in what you have seen. Even if everyone else in the world tells you you’re wrong.” (pg. 64-65)
“So draw out your Dragons; confront your fears; and remember — as long as you have the power to choose, there will always be a way to change the course of events in your life.” (pg.119)
“…draw out your own Dragons — not to battle with them, but to embrace them, to make their strength your own, and to perhaps, one day, become like them: a wiser, stronger protector and teacher, with stories of your own you can use to inspire and elevate those around you.” (pg. 121)
Carol Nicolas 