James Maxon > James's Quotes

“Fiction gives us a reach into the lives of individuals that would otherwise be but a closed door. If we are gifted with a desire to tell tales, then we should tell them . . . if only to reach but a few.”
― James D. Maxon

“If you measure your life by what you own, the cavern of your heart will never be filled.”
― James D. Maxon

“Who should we be trying to make the most proud? Our family? Our friends? Our teachers or bosses? What about the one who molded us out of the earth itself, who formed us like clay, and instilled within us the very breath of life that shaped the universe?”
― James D. Maxon

“Heart isn’t something you find in soap operas and Harlequin novels. It’s that pure essence–sheltered deep inside–that occasionally makes its way to the surface. Give heed lest it ever trend to waste.”
― James D. Maxon

“Every good book should be entertaining. A good book will be more; it must not be less. Entertainment…is like a qualifying examination. If a fiction can’t provide that, we may be excused from inquiring into its higher qualities.”
― C.S. Lewis

“Each prayer is like a seed that gets planted in the ground. It disappears for a season, but it eventually bears fruit that blesses future generations. In fact, our prayers bear fruit forever.”
― Mark Batterson, Draw the Circle: The 40 Day Prayer Challenge

“Prayer adds an element of surprise to your life that is more fun than a surprise party or surprise gift or surprise romance. In fact, prayer turns life into a party, into a gift, into a romance.”
― Mark Batterson, Draw the Circle: The 40 Day Prayer Challenge

“Whether we write lyrics or craft legislation, sell homes or teach classes, design spaces or open franchises, prayer is a critical part of the creative process. Don’t just brainstorm; praystorm.”
― Mark Batterson, Draw the Circle: The 40 Day Prayer Challenge

“Good fiction is not defined by the masses, but by the tentative ear.”
― James D. Maxon

“A great writer weaves words like a painter mixes colors.”
― James D. Maxon

“Fantasy is an excellent platform to shine new lights on old truths.”
― James D. Maxon

“One thing you who had secure or happy childhoods should understand about those of us who did not. We who control our feelings, who avoid conflicts at all costs, or seem to seek them. Who are hypersensitive, self-critical, compulsive, workaholic, and above all survivors. We are not that way from perversity, and we cannot just relax and let it go. We’ve learned to cope in ways you never had to.”
― Piers Anthony

“In the story of life, the prologue and epilogue are written by God. Yet the plot has been given to us; therefore we should write the best prose we can.”
― James D. Maxon

“The best and most convincing disguise for fear is virtue itself, or godliness. Then it never looks like fear. For fear to survive, it must look like reason, prudence, common-sense, intelligence, the need for social order, morality, religion, obedience, justice or even spirituality. It always works. What better way to veil vengeance than to call it justice? What better way to cover greed than to call it responsible stewardship? Only people who have moved beyond ego and controlling of all outcomes, only those practiced at letting go, see fear for the impostor that it is. To be trapped inside of your small ego is always to be afraid.”
― John Feister, Hope Against Darkness: The Transforming Vision of Saint Francis in an Age of Anxiety

“Shoot for the moon. Even if you miss, you'll land among the stars.”
― Norman Vincent Peale

“Many things that become threatening in the dark, become welcoming when we shine a light on them.”
― General Iroh Legend of Korra

“If writing didn't create emotional risk, then it wouldn't be worth doing.”
― James D. Maxon

“To forgive is to set a prisoner free and discover that the prisoner was you.”
― Lewis B. Smedes, Forgive and Forget: Healing the Hurts We Don't Deserve

“This is the way the world ends
This is the way the world ends
This is the way the world ends
Not with a bang but a whimper.”
― T.S. Eliot, The Hollow Men

“Government is never the solution, but it is almost always the problem.”
― Pierce Brown, Morning Star

“I feel thin, sort of stretched, like butter scraped over too much bread.”
― J.R.R. Tolkien, The Fellowship of the Ring

“I think the power of books is that - that they teach us to care about others. It's a power that gives people courage and also supports them in turn. [. . .] Empathy - that's the power of books.”
― Sōsuke Natsukawa, The Cat Who Saved Books