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20th out of 75 books
—
95 voters
Drawing Out The Dragons: A Meditation on Art, Destiny, and the Power of Choice (The Meditations #1)
by
James A. Owen (Goodreads Author)
From James A. Owen's blog:
"Each Revolution Begins with a Choice"
I am often asked to speak at schools, but many booksellers, educators, and students have been surprised to realize that when I do, I barely talk about my books at all.
That’s because I believe that there are reading groups, and dedicated librarians, and community-active booksellers, and best of all, excellent t...more
"Each Revolution Begins with a Choice"
I am often asked to speak at schools, but many booksellers, educators, and students have been surprised to realize that when I do, I barely talk about my books at all.
That’s because I believe that there are reading groups, and dedicated librarians, and community-active booksellers, and best of all, excellent t...more
ebook, 126 pages
Published
March 2011
by Coppervale International
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Jun 09, 2011
Erin Channell
rated it
5 of 5 stars
Recommends it for:
everyone
Recommended to Erin by:
author
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.
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 Dragon...more
2 likes · like · see review
view 2 comments
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 lit...more
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 lit...more
Are you an artist? This book was written for you.
Are you a writer? This book was written for you.
Are you a man, a woman, grown up, teen, child? This book was written for everyone!
I'm not joking.
It only costs a few bucks, it only takes a hour or so to read... But what you GET in return... pricless! There are no words for what this, the first in a trio called the Meditations, means to me but I will tell you: IT CHANGED MY LIFE! But not just mine, hundreds of others too! THOUSANDS. And if you end...more
Are you a writer? This book was written for you.
Are you a man, a woman, grown up, teen, child? This book was written for everyone!
I'm not joking.
It only costs a few bucks, it only takes a hour or so to read... But what you GET in return... pricless! There are no words for what this, the first in a trio called the Meditations, means to me but I will tell you: IT CHANGED MY LIFE! But not just mine, hundreds of others too! THOUSANDS. And if you end...more
Well done Mr. Owen! I thought that this book was really inspiring of rising above lifes challenges. I cannot imagine as an artist having my hand smashed in an accident in a car crash and learning to draw with my opposite hand. Thus solidifies my theory that I would not be an inspiring injured person.
"There's something that I want to stress that I hope you'll keep in mind: I believe every one of us has something that's very unique to us specifically. Something unique enough that no one else migh...more
"There's something that I want to stress that I hope you'll keep in mind: I believe every one of us has something that's very unique to us specifically. Something unique enough that no one else migh...more
First, I have to say, this book was not what I expected. Owen is in fact a true motivational figure, his life, as told through specific encounters of some of his many life decisions that he is faced with increases ones learning of how to make positive, impacting choices in their own life. He teaches life lessons through his own self driven motivation, quotes, memoirs, and consequences. Owen has a relentless attitude and proves just as much to never take no for an answer. Owen, councils others th...more
Apr 08, 2011
Jason Lundberg
rated it
5 of 5 stars
Recommends it for:
Artists of any discipline
Shelves:
0wnz0red
As a writer, it's sometimes very easy to get discouraged with this career I've chosen. Rejection rather than acceptance is the norm, a book may sell to a publisher then get dropped because of financial reasons, work that does gets published may get panned or, even worse, ignored. Holding onto that motivation that made me want to be a writer in the first place can sometimes seem a futile endeavor.
And so when James A. Owen released Drawing Out the Dragons as an e-book (on April Fool's Day, of all...more
And so when James A. Owen released Drawing Out the Dragons as an e-book (on April Fool's Day, of all...more
I usually don't accept books that aren't fiction for review. When I received my copy in the mail, I figured that I must have said yes to it at some point, but don't remember making that decision.
I was floored by the message in this book. It is powerful. It is concise, it gave me a lot to think about. I sat up at night reading this book and then reading the parts out loud to my husband that I was particularly impressed with. I spend quite a bit of time reading out loud to my husband. There are ma...more
I was floored by the message in this book. It is powerful. It is concise, it gave me a lot to think about. I sat up at night reading this book and then reading the parts out loud to my husband that I was particularly impressed with. I spend quite a bit of time reading out loud to my husband. There are ma...more
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 mark...more
After reading this book, and the previous edition, I struggle with how to put into words just what it is that makes this book so great, beyond the easy one-word exclamations of ‘Fantastic!’ ‘Outstanding!’ and ‘Inspirational!’ It could be as simple as how James A. Owen writes in such an accessible way. It could be his unique approach to encouraging people to believe in themselves to accomplish…whatever. Or it could be that he invites us into his life and shows us through his own experiences that...more
Feb 18, 2013
Shauna
rated it
5 of 5 stars
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
reviewed-on-blog,
reviewed-on-fb
Making a choice is like drawing a dragon...
This book is POWERFUL!
Told from his own life-story the author helps us understand that the choices we make every day matter!
James A. Owen is an artist and started selling his books when he was just six-years-old.
later in life, and after being rejected by many companies, he started his own company...and sold some more.
Then one day he was involved in an auto accident and the results were such that his drawing hand was smashed.
Everyone told him his drawin...more
This book is POWERFUL!
Told from his own life-story the author helps us understand that the choices we make every day matter!
James A. Owen is an artist and started selling his books when he was just six-years-old.
later in life, and after being rejected by many companies, he started his own company...and sold some more.
Then one day he was involved in an auto accident and the results were such that his drawing hand was smashed.
Everyone told him his drawin...more
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 Tolkie...more
For those of you who enjoy reading about a writer's--and in this case writer/illustrator's--journey to become who he is both personally and professionally (think Stephen King's ON WRITING), this book will both inspire and fascinate you. When James Owen tells an audience of middle schoolers or high schoolers that they can achieve their dreams, NOW, even at their young age, he speaks from experience: he began his career as a comic book creator and entrepreneur when he was only 13. And the good new...more
Drawing Out the Dragons by James A. Owen is a treasure chest full of cleverly worded gems of advice that the reader would do well to hold onto as they plot their journey through life. These gems are sprinkled throughout the chronicle of Owen's own journey. He truly puts his gift of storytelling to good use as he takes us through the years that saw an entrepreneurial six-year-old become a best-selling author. The life lessons Owen relates in this book are simple, yet profound and, as Owen himself...more
I loved this book. Okay, so I was a bit on the fence about if I could get into this book and it was a wonderful surprise. I ended up reading it in one sitting and finding myself wanting more. This novel is not only inspirational and quirky but it has a contagious eagerness towards life. From page one I realized this wasn’t going to be your average novel and that James A. Owen didn’t have the average perspective on life.
So your run of the mill book written to be inspirational normally has the sa...more
So your run of the mill book written to be inspirational normally has the sa...more
Sometimes you need a gentle guiding hand, and sometimes you need a kick in the butt to brush off fear, dismiss failure and follow your dreams. James Owen fuses a magical combination of stark truth and enduring encouragement in Drawing Out the Dragons. "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," he says. And he means it. Owen pulls back the curtain on his own failures and darkest moments in a way few would dare so t...more
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...more
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,...more
1 like · like · see review
This is the book you will reach for time and time again. It's a quick read (less than 90 minutes) but the messages and inspiration will stay with you. James A. Owen, master story weaver, tells a different story with Drawing Out the Dragons. Instead of dragons and mythical lands, he write about illness, Superman rings and Hollywood. This autobiographical story pulls the reader in and refuses to let go. Need inspiration? It's here. Need motivation? It's here. Need entertainment? It's here.
Not onl...more
Not onl...more
I'm not sure than any amount of words will ever be enough to portray how much I love and admire this book. Sometimes, if you're really lucky, you'll come across a book that changes your life when you read it--this is definitely one of those books. I read it in one sitting. And then read it again, and read it again. Drawing Out the Dragons is inspiring, heart warming, and even funny in some places. I hold that reading it is one of the best choices that I ever made, and the change that it allowed...more
Feb 21, 2013
Ryelor
rated it
5 of 5 stars
·
review of another edition
Recommends it for:
Anyone needing a little inspiration
I bought this book after meeting James Owen personally. He was so nice and personable that I wanted to support his writing career, so I bought the book. So glad I did. It's a quick read, but full of wisdom, like a shoe box full of gems. Every page inspired, every story uplifted. It's inspiration crammed into a little hardcover book.
The part I loved the best about this book was the simplicity of the concepts and how well Owen brought them out. Having met him in person I can attest to the fact th...more
The part I loved the best about this book was the simplicity of the concepts and how well Owen brought them out. Having met him in person I can attest to the fact th...more
This is a great book that will motivate and inspire not only those who are writers, but anyone who struggles with a great personal challenge or lack of success.
James shares his personal story of his life and lessons learned. It is short, and you can read and re-read it in just one sitting.
I found it to be a real life changer. I'll suggest it to anyone of any age and interest. Once you read it you'll feel compelled to share the wisdom found between it's covers with everyone. And you'd be right...more
James shares his personal story of his life and lessons learned. It is short, and you can read and re-read it in just one sitting.
I found it to be a real life changer. I'll suggest it to anyone of any age and interest. Once you read it you'll feel compelled to share the wisdom found between it's covers with everyone. And you'd be right...more
This is more than another motivational book, this is a reference guide on overcoming one's struggles! There is so much to learn from the author's challenges and victories. Mr. Owen has sprinkled nuggets of wisdom throughout this book in way that is motivating and inspiring. It's for anyone who needs to know that somebody still believes in them and their dreams. I have given several copies as gifts to nephews and nieces who are about to step out into the world. Would recommend to one and all!!
I have never been so inspired to write and to live my life to the fullest. James put into words what I feel so many people need to know about how to truly be free. I laughed and a cried throughout "Drawing Out the Dragons." There are no words except, Thank you, James. Also, this is a book for everyone! You don't need to be a writer to understand the message of "Drawing Out the Dragons." It's a real story, about a real man and his trials to be the best he can be. I plan to be the best I can be.
This is an excellent book that supports and encourages the creative. Owen tells his own story - successes/failures, then success again - a real life story that really shows that decision based in faith can change one's life. He gives quotes from famous individuals at the beginning of each chapter that helped him and how he used them to get through challenges.
I will read this book again - and possibly again - as needed. Short, too the point, well-chosen words with power and impact.
I will read this book again - and possibly again - as needed. Short, too the point, well-chosen words with power and impact.
The key to a great dragon is just a few lines, according to the Author James Owen, the beauty in the brevity of this book proves this is true in great prose as well as great pictures. This book itself is a magical beast able to give wings to those both suffering through life's desolation and celebrating life's consolation's. I strongly recommend it for both the personal shelf and for giving, for example this book would make the best graduation present ever.
May 09, 2012
k.wing
rated it
5 of 5 stars
Recommends it for:
Everyone in the world.
Recommended to k.wing by:
James A.
If you've ever had the pleasure of hearing James Owen speak, you know what I mean when I say that James is made of Greatness. He is a man who has lived through great challenges and circumstance, and yet in every occasion, he has made the choice to make it mean something, lead to a success, and become part of a much more grand design.
Drawing out the Dragons isn't just for writers and artists. It is for everyone, because everyone needs someone to look to to know how to be strong, and someone who...more
Drawing out the Dragons isn't just for writers and artists. It is for everyone, because everyone needs someone to look to to know how to be strong, and someone who...more
You should read this book if you are creative, if you need inspiration, motivation, and a rekindling of hope in your creative forces. You should read this book if you want ideas of how to help and inspire your children and others who are working toward goals. You should read this book because it has life lessons that will help and inspire everyone, no matter their talents or dreams.
James Owen is a master.
You should read this book!
James Owen is a master.
You should read this book!
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.
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.
It was an okay book, I think it's better for adults rather than teenagers. Inspirational, yes. But it was boring for me. I couldn't wait until it was over. Perhaps if I had read it later in life or when I was struggling with something, but as for now I was not able to connect with it and thus, I did not enjoy it.
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“Always, always ask for what you want. Because the Universe might surprise you — and give it to you.”
—
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“Never, ever, sacrifice what you want the most, for what you want the most at that moment.”
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