Meaning: This quote by Raymond E. Feist provides insight into the creative process of an author and the decision-making involved in developing a series of books. In this quote, Feist discusses two key factors that influenced his decision-making process: his own vision for the next series and the presence of a character named James as a "Grey Eminence."

The first part of the quote reveals that Feist had already established a clear direction in his mind for the next series of books. This indicates that as an author, he had a specific vision and narrative trajectory that he wanted to explore in his writing. This suggests that creative vision and authorial intent play a significant role in shaping the development of a series, and in this case, it seems that Feist's creative direction was a primary consideration in his decision-making process.

The second part of the quote references the character James as a "Grey Eminence" and how his presence would have complicated matters. This characterization of James as a "Grey Eminence" suggests that he held a position of influence or power within the narrative, and his role had the potential to significantly impact the storyline. Feist's decision to bid James goodbye indicates that he made a deliberate choice to move the narrative in a different direction, possibly due to the character's overwhelming presence or the need to focus on other story elements.

It's worth noting that Feist also acknowledges that James had an amazing life, which implies that the character was well-developed and had significant depth within the narrative. However, despite this acknowledgment, Feist ultimately decided that it was time to part ways with the character, suggesting that as an author, he prioritized the overall coherence and direction of the series over individual character arcs.

This quote provides valuable insight into the complexities of authorial decision-making and the balancing act between creative vision, character development, and narrative direction. It highlights the importance of maintaining a cohesive and focused storyline while also acknowledging the rich and multifaceted nature of characters within a series.

In summary, Raymond E. Feist's quote offers a glimpse into the thought process behind his creative decisions and the careful considerations that authors undertake when shaping the trajectory of a series. It illustrates the interplay between personal creative vision and the need to navigate the complexities of character dynamics within a narrative, shedding light on the intricacies of storytelling and the craft of series development.

Overall, Feist's insights provide a compelling perspective on the author's role in steering the course of a series, as well as the considerations involved in bidding farewell to characters in order to maintain the integrity and coherence of the overarching narrative.