Drawing Out the Dragons: A Meditation on Art, Destiny, and the Power of Choice

The Meditations #1

by James A. Owen

I believe in you. You have a great destiny. You are meant for great

Genres: Nonfiction, Memoir, Inspirational, Biography, Writing, Self Help, Art

128 pages, Hardcover

First published March 1, 2011

Reviews

[Sheila (sheilasbookreviewer) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Have you ever read something and realized you were meant to read it? This is how I felt about Drawing Out The Dragons. I will admit, I have REALLY been struggling in my life the past few years, but especially the past few months. I have felt helpless and struggled to even want to succeed at anything. As I read this book, I felt like James A. Owen was speaking directly to me. In fact, whenever I read something that touched my soul, I underlined it or put a star by it. This book is now pretty marked up. I'm not defacing the book, but using it wisely for my own benefit!

In trying to decide what to share with you, the readers of my blog, I wasn't sure how much I could share without writing pages and pages. James Owens has lived through many trials and hard times in his life, but he found ways to overcome these hardships.

The number one message that James shares, is one that he learned early in life as a young boy while dealing with an illness in a hospital.

"One of the most important things I can tell someone who is struggling: You have a greater destiny than this.You are meant for greater things than this. And if you want to beat this, to overcome whatever it is you're grappling with, you are strong enough to do it. And if that's the choice you make, it's possible to live a wonderful, extraordinary life." (page 27)

After I read this, I sat silently for over five minutes just thinking about this message and how it applied to my life right now. Then I had to read it over again a few more times. I feel that this message, and many others in this book are so empowering and motivating.

Some other ideas that inspired me were these...

-(This message is one he often shares with school children)

"I believe they can do anything they choose to do in this life, and it doesn't matter how old they are. All that matters is if they have the desire and determination to put in the effort required to be good at what they do."
(page 32)

What a great thing to share with kids who need to know that they can succeed if they have the desire.

The last thing I wanted to share with you made me write "WOW" in the book. It helped me with my somewhat fatalistic thinking as of late, that nothing good has been happening in my life and there's nothing I can do about it.

"We have to choose to live deliberately. Things are going to happen to us whether we make choices or not. So it's up to us to make the choices to make things happen. To be the kind of people who make things happen, not the kind of people things happen to. We have to choose to live deliberately. To actually actively make choices." (page 54)

So you see...WOW! We can make things happen, not just have things happen to us. :) This book is full of things/ideas that will help you in your life, whatever struggles may be happening at the moment. I can see that I will be reading this book again and again. I will share it with my children and other family members, young and old.

I want to end with one more thought from the book. I hope that this will encourage you to believe in yourself more.

"Every moment is another chance to learn, and another chance to make a choice. Everything does happen for a reason, and the things that happened were supposed to happen, because they did happen. And while no one can change the past, the future begins anew every time you choose to live deliberately.

Those who make miracles happen are the ones who, first, believe it to be possible, and second, are willing to pay the price to make it so." (page 113)

This book gets a 5 star rating from me!

To read more of my reviews please go to:
whynotbecauseisaidso.blogspot.com

[Steven · Rating 5 out of 5]

BEST book I've read recently re: writing or pursuing one's dreams and goals.

I thought I'd not find as good and inspirational book as Stephen Pressfield's WAR OF ART but this book is better because it's more personal for the author and thus for the reader as well (or at least this one).

Great book if you're wondering just how far you may have to go to pursue your dreams...and if it's worth the price being asked of you.

[Terri M. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Everyone has an amazing story. However, not every amazing story is inspiring. I don't quite recall how I discovered James A. Owen, but I do known that his novel, Here, There Be Dragons, and the subsequent books in the Imaginarium Geographica series appealed to the Peter Pan that still resides inside of me. It wasn't until I connected with James via Facebook and his blog that I discovered his inspiring tale, which he shares in this, his first book in his Meditations series, Drawing Out the Dragons: A Meditation on Art, Destiny, and the Power of Choice

As a rising star in the industry, James encountered many setbacks, victories and course corrections in quest to publish his own comics. This aspiring Merchant Philosopher seemingly has experienced it all and has found the strength to carry on when many of us may have given up on our own dreams. With each instance James shares, he explains how his choices made him a successful author and artist and has allowed him to live his dream.

Drawing Out the Dragons is truly an inspiring memoir. Owen does not talk down the reader or boast that he is better than the reader because he has overcome all these obstacles. The wonderful thing about this memoir is that each reader that I’ve passed it along to since it was first published in 2011 has found something that resonates with him or her. For me, as an aspiring photographer, it is the following quote that appears in the first pages of the book and the final pages.

Magic is real. And worth looking for.

Thank you, James, for being one of the people in this crazy world that has inspired me to keep looking and has showed me where to look.

[Bruce · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have followed James Owen's work from the 1990's when he wrote one of the most amazing independent comics of all time, through the turn of the twenty-first century when he became an astounding novelist, and through it all I heard stories of the epic/tragic life that he lived. I marveled at what an amazing person he was, and then I read this book. James had already inspired me with his work now he was sharing the secret behind everything that he did. He made a choice. He takes the reader through an amazing journey of his life and shows them how his belief in himself and his success was a choice he made, and punctuated with stories both epic and tragic he explains how everyone else can make this choice for themselves. This is a book that changes everything and for that reason alone everyone should read it.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I beautiful, remarkable book. Highly recommended.

[Libby · Rating 4 out of 5]

Inspirational book on following your craft and believing in your dream. Enjoyed very much!

[Angela Hunt · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been handing this book out and recommending it as fast as I can, because I truly believe that if you live any kind of creative life, this book will help you.

It is profound. It is amazing. But best of all, it tells you something very important.

Seriously. Don't wait. Pick it up as fast as you can.

[Erin Channell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic! Simply reinforces that the choices we make for ourselves dictate how our life will turnout. Truly shows what matters most, that what each person believes to be the best of them is what will get you through the day, and ultimately create the life you want.

[Gwenda · Rating 3 out of 5]

Gems from this book:
1--Everyone gets to choose what they can bear. Choosing that is a fundamental right, which no one else can judge. (page 27)
2--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. It’s our point of view. Our point of view is what makes us unique, because no one else—no one else—has your particular combination of thoughts, and dreams, and hopes, and desires, and ambitions, and memories, and experiences. No one. (page 64)
3--Never, ever, sacrifice what you want the most, for what you want the most at that moment. (page 81)

[Miguel Ángel Alonso Pulido · Rating 5 out of 5]

Una lectura simplemente genial en la que James Owen relata los obstáculos que ha tenido en la vida y cómo ha logrado superar cada uno de ellos. No se trata de un libro de autoayuda, sino de un recordatorio de unas simples y sencillas verdades que todos olvidamos, como que nadie puede detenernos salvo nosotros mismos. No hay circunstancia ni obstáculo que pueda derrotarnos si nosotros lo decidimos así. Tan simple como difícil, esta es la gran enseñanza de este libro. Recomendable para todo el mundo, sea cual sea tu objetivo en la vida.

[LaRae☕️ · Rating 4 out of 5]

My 15-year-old daughter read this book and gave it to me saying, “This will change your life.”

Although it wasn’t *life-changing* for me, I can see why it was a powerful book for her. It is about the power of choice, and how to pursue our dreams. It was both inspirational and motivational, and I would certainly recommend it for young people.

[Carol Nicolas · Rating 5 out of 5]

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 just to writers and artists, but to every creative endeavor we might have.
"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)

[Scott Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

On two different occasions I was blessed with the opportunity to be in the audience as James A. Owen made his Drawing Out the Dragons presentation. So, having seen the presentation twice, and knowing the stories etc. that make up this wonderful volume, why did I pay twenty dollars to read it again?

Because I had to read it again. Because it is true, in the way that all profound insights, and all stories that speak to the human condition are true. Because it is inspiring and uplifting and too little in the world is designed to encourage people to pursue their dreams. Especially creative dreams. The artist is always told be practical, be careful, step into the creative endeavor half-way with one foot on the shore so you don't get pulled under. James has the courage to say dive in, something more artists in all fields need to hear.

And lest you think this is a zesty pep talk with no dose of reality for how hard it is to make it in a creative field, it clearly is not. There are no "overnight success" illusions in this story. There is no slick path to fame and fortune. There is no easy equation. There are simple truths that some will say sound trite because we've heard them before other places. I would argue that we've heard them other places because they're true. And they aren't trite, they're simple. The most profound things in life are. Try explaining truly basic things to someone some day when their culture, or upbringing or whatever makes it hard for them to understand the simple statement of truth. It's hard! James does it here in the most effective way possible--through story.

This is a wonderful, wonderful book.

[VeeDawn · Rating 3 out of 5]

This seems to be a "let's celebrate me and Wow! what a great man I am" book, so there is an annoyingly lot of stuff to show James Owen's greatness--which I must say I had never heard of him before reading this book. I bought the book because I liked the drawing of the dragon on the front. Owens is really a skilled artist. After reading this book I looked up his Here There Be Dragons book and many readers' reviews said he built his story directly imitating ideas of truly great writers like Tolkien and CS Lewis. Anyway, I think he meant to help others (and of course meant to make money at the same time)with this book. And he does have some helpful ideas. My favorite quote is credited to Vincent van Gogh, "If you hear a voice within you saying, 'You are not a painter,' then by all means paint... and that voice will be silenced." There were other encouraging quotes and I think it could be a helpful book.

[Austin · Rating 5 out of 5]

In Drawing Out the Dragons: A Meditation on Art, Destiny, and the Power of Choice, author James Owen reaches out to the world to let us all know that he believes in us. He shares impactful stories from his own life and uses them as examples of what is possible when you focus on what you believe is your destiny. Through simple but profound statements, he reminds us that every choice we make in life is important, just like every line in a drawing. And so long as you consider each choice carefully, are willing to take a few risks, and remain determined, nothing can stand in your way.

"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."
~quote from book

[Wyndy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This may be a small book but it contains some very potent and thought-provoking ideas. The book is set up with some pages containing a wise life quote from someone and some are paragraphs and some are short reminisces of life changing situations experienced by the author. It's based on the talk that Mr Owen gives when he is asked to speak to school groups. It is not about his books but rather about how his attitude has made a great difference in his success as a person and an author even as a child. His main thought really struck a cord with me : 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. It is a book that will be read many times and will offer different illuminating ideas each time it is read.

[Cami · Rating 3 out of 5]

So I read this a few years ago and gave it 5 stars and wanted everyone to read it. For whatever reason this time around I enjoyed it but wasn't as taken as I was the first time. James Owen's story now seems pretty crazy and a little preachy. He was able to be successful because he had the talent and perseverance to fulfill his passions. Not everyone that wants something can pull it off. Anyway, it's still a good story but not as life-changing as I first thought.

[Theodora Goss · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book! Highly recommended, especially if you need some encouragement with whatever you're doing, or just life in general. Shows you that you can succeed if you just keep going.

[Danyelle Leafty · Rating 5 out of 5]

Incredible book for anyone that's wanted something bigger than they are. This book is mainly about choosing and making choices when bad things/hard things happen, rather than allowing circumstances to make decide your destiny. Awesome read!

[Brock · Rating 4 out of 5]

Short and direct. A reminder of the power of choice and determination. As humans we too often forget this lesson.

[Katrina Roets · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sometimes in life, you get what you need just when you need it. For me, that was the case with Drawing Out the Dragons. I was chin deep in a depression that was threatening to swallow me whole and me, being me, posted about it on my blog. It wasn't much later that I received a Facebook message from someone reminding me that they'd sent me the pdfs of not only this book, but the other two in the series. Little did either of us realize, but I'd purchased the Kindle versions back in 2016 and forgotten all about it until I found my Kindle and they were right on top staring at me. Never one to ignore such blatant hints from the universe, I curled up at the park one day and started reading. I didn't stop until I'd finished this book.

Why? Because every page spoke to me on some level. James has been through some horrendous things, but it wasn't his difficulties that had me. After all, I've long said that everyone of us on this planet has a challenge or challenges to overcome. It was the ways in which James overcame them. He never quit. Here I was contemplating the value of my own life and James is screaming from the rooftops that it's okay and that no matter what, he isn't going to let me fall. Sometimes, when everything seems the darkest, all it takes is one person saying hey, I believe in you. Sometimes all it takes is seeing how someone else survived and thrived to make you sit up, take some deep breathes, and say, "Okay world, let's give this another shot."

Thank you, James...for reminding me that I can do this and like you say in the book, "Always, always ask for what you want. Because the Universe might surprise you — and give it to you.” I'm hoping to someday be able to ask for one of those Dragon pictures because I want it to serve as a reminder of what I can do in this world.

[Cassie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book changed my life at a time I needed it most, during my freshman year of college in 2012. It gave me the courage to pursue my dream of studying art, which I'm still pursuing. :) This book is pure inspiration; not because it tells you everything is easy, but because the power to become great lies within you, if you choose it.

"In any good book, there are always going to be sections of strife and grief for the characters. It might last for a few pages, or it might be a whole chapter, or more. The important thing to remember is that the story always continues. The grief only lasts as long as it takes to read those pages, then it's over, and the story takes a better course. If you think of your life as a story, then you can think of any grief or stress you might be experiencing as a just a few pages - and anyone can get through a few pages. You are the author of your own story, the illustrator of your own destiny. You choose the words and lines that fill its pages." (Drawing out The Dragons, page 107-108).

[Kevin R. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I LOVED this book! James A. Owen gives some valuable life lessons he has learned, and also talks about ways that he has applied them. His journey is amazing! As I read about his life, I wondered to myself if I would have had the courage and ambition to keep going like he did, or if I would have given up. It is incredible how many setbacks he endured, and how he used those setbacks to propel himself towards his ultimate goal. Reading this book filled me with so much inspiration and motivation to do what I want to do!

He says over and over again, "If you really want to do something, nobody can stop you. If you really don't want to do something, nobody can help you." He encourages the reader to not settle for something less than what they really want, or even not settling for something you want now instead of something you want the most later.

I regret taking so long to read this book (I've owned it for a couple of years). Now I want to share it with everybody. I will be reading from this again and again.

[Chris Boutté · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a fantastic, inspirational book for creatives as well as just about anyone who is trying to pursue their dreams. James Owen is a comic book creator and novelist, and this book is part memoir and part inspirational book. Owen has many challenges throughout his life from illness as a child to runs of bad luck, but he tells the story of how he never gave up. Something he says throughout the book is, “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,” and I love it. Personally, due to my anxiety, I think some of the decisions he made were super reckless, but they worked out and really show some bravery. This is a short read and more than worth it for anyone out there who needs some inspiration, and I’ll definitely be reading it again.

[LemontreeLime · Rating 4 out of 5]

I vaguely remember Owen's Starchild comics on display, way back in the 90 s, but I didn't read them. I only had so many pennies in my comics budget. After reading this I give the author kudos, he followed through on his dreams and made his own way in a fickle industry. Once upon a time I wanted to write comics, but I was told over and over I couldn't because I was a woman, I could never have survived the rampant misogyny and sexism, and besides that I didn't live on the east coast so there's no point in trying..... and I made the mistake of believing all those know it all's, and not questioning their own biases, and never trying. I hope that doesn't happen to this next generation, may they be braver than I ever was.

[Janine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Encouraging and inspiring. James Owen was stubborn and deliberate in his decisions. These traits made all the difference in him overcoming his tribulations rather than his tribulations overcoming him. When referring to his illustrating in comparison to achieving our goals he says, "... making choices in the drawing a Dragon is just like the choices we make in living our lives. It's cumulative."
I liked this summarizing thought, "Dragons are the guardians of the Earth and of the creatures who live in it. 'Here the be Dragons' means that something bigger, older, stronger, and perhaps wiser, is looking out for you. 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."

[Cynthia Egbert · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wish that I could get everyone to read the Chronicles of the Imaginarium Geographica series but I am begging that if you read only one James A. Owen book in your life, make it this one. Especially if you are a parent or do any sort of mentoring of youth. We just read this as a class and had our colloquium on it today and it set the kids (and the two mentors) on fire. You know how I usually offer a few quotes from a work in my reviews. Well...it would be silly to try with this offering because I have highlighted passages and annotation on nearly every page. Get your hands on this one.

[Scott Wozniak · Rating 5 out of 5]

Practical Inspiration

This is part-memoir and part-guidebook. The author's path to satisfaction and success in life was much harder than most of us will face. And the lessons he learned along the way are inspiring and helpful. A powerful, short read to remind you of what is possible and how to get there.

[Alex · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a good inspirational book. Just the message I was looking for to send to a friend. You have the power over your own happiness, be determined, approach everything you do for work or pleasure with the same vigor you would for anything that is important to you. Ask, and you may receive that which is desired.

[Marni · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW.

Trying to put this into words. At it's most basic this is an autobiography, but the lessons James Owen has taken through immense difficulty and what would be to many others wall after wall are inspiring and motivating. I've already shared stories in this with several people, and I'm forcing my children to listen (car rides!). Find a copy and get reading!