Doug Tennapel Quotes

Powerful Doug Tennapel for Daily Growth

About Doug Tennapel

Doug Tennapel is an accomplished American author and illustrator, best known for his graphic novels that captivate young readers with their imaginative narratives and intricate artwork. Born on January 15, 1967, in Portland, Oregon, Tennapel grew up surrounded by the natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest, which undoubtedly influenced his unique storytelling style. After graduating from Oregon State University with a degree in graphic design, Tennapel began working as an illustrator for various companies and publications, including Cartoon Network and Scholastic Books. However, it was his independently published work that truly cemented his place in the world of children's literature. In 1996, Tennapel debuted "Dragon Breath" and quickly followed it up with "Ghostopolis," both of which were met with critical acclaim and commercial success. These books introduced Tennapel's signature blend of humor, adventure, and heart, and established him as a voice for a new generation of young readers. Tennapel's most notable work is arguably the "Ghostopolis" series, which follows the adventures of a boy named Algernon who discovers a hidden city filled with ghosts. The series was not only praised for its engaging story and vibrant artwork but also for its thoughtful exploration of themes such as friendship, loss, and growing up. In addition to his graphic novels, Tennapel has also worked on video games and contributed illustrations to various publications. His work continues to inspire a new generation of creators, and his contributions to children's literature remain an integral part of the genre. Quotes from Doug Tennapel often reflect his love for storytelling and his commitment to creating memorable characters and worlds that resonate with young readers: "Storytelling is like playing music—it's all about finding the right rhythm." "I try to write stories I wish I had when I was a kid. I always want my work to feel new and fresh, something you haven't seen before." "If you look at the world through your own eyes, everything looks different."

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"The best games are like dreams. They're weird, they're fun, and they stay with you long after you wake up."

This quote suggests that the most impactful video games have a dream-like quality, where they immerse players in surreal, engaging, and memorable experiences. The "weird" aspect refers to the unique and imaginative elements found within these games, while "fun" emphasizes their enjoyability. The lasting impression after playing is symbolized by "they stay with you long after you wake up", indicating that such games leave a significant and enduring impact on players' minds.


"Sometimes it takes a good adventure to find out what kind of hero you really are."

This quote by Doug Tennapel suggests that facing new challenges or embarking on an adventure can help individuals discover their true nature, particularly in terms of courage and resilience - qualities that often define a hero. Essentially, the quote implies that we may not fully understand our own potential until we are tested through experiences beyond our comfort zone. Adventure serves as a catalyst for self-discovery, empowering us to rise to the occasion and reveal the hero within ourselves.


"If life gives you lemons, throw them back at life and ask for the fruit you wanted in the first place."

This quote encourages persistence and assertiveness in pursuit of one's desires. Instead of passively accepting what life offers (lemons), the speaker suggests challenging circumstances and demanding something better, reflecting a proactive and resilient mindset. It's a call to action to not settle for less than what we truly want and to ask for more until we receive it.


"The only way to see the future is to invent it yourself."

This quote suggests that instead of passively waiting for the future, one should proactively create it. It encourages individual initiative and innovation, implying that the future is not predestined but can be shaped by our actions and ideas. In essence, if we want to see a particular future, we must work to make it happen ourselves.


"Every great dream begins with a dreamer. Always remember, you have within you the strength, the patience, and the passion to reach for the stars to change the world."

This quote emphasizes that every extraordinary idea or ambition originates from an individual with a vision, a dreamer. It encourages one to believe in their own inner strength, persistence, and fervor to aspire for greatness and make a difference in the world. The message is that despite challenges, each person has the potential to change the world by pursuing their dreams tenaciously.


If you read 'Lord of the Rings' and dismiss it as a lie because it has orcs and elves, you're missing the whole point of the story. If children don't have to be concerned about strangers because there's no such thing as a Big Bad Wolf dressed like Granny, you're missing the point.

- Doug TenNapel

Big, Bad, Concerned, Rings

I'm not the most famous guy in the world; my work is spread out across different mediums, and I never write the same kind of story and rarely even do the same character from one year to the next.

- Doug TenNapel

Year, Next, Guy, Mediums

I have a traditional view of the afterlife... heaven, hell and judgments. But the accounts of those places are scant, and I believe it's on purpose. We aren't supposed to try to figure out the architecture of the afterlife, since the big game is here in this life.

- Doug TenNapel

Game, Big, Here, Judgments

A page a day means I need to focus on a gag a day, and that's great for laughs but bad for plot, and I'm primarily a plot guy.

- Doug TenNapel

Bad, Need, Means, Gag

When I play a game, I want to play, not necessarily laugh. If you try to make me laugh at the expense of interactivity, then you've just created another funny game that isn't very fun. The videogame medium itself is a terrible place for complicated humor, drama, and character development.

- Doug TenNapel

Game, Play, Very, Make Me Laugh

It's a dirty little secret that I'm pretty self-conscious about coloring my own work. I just see so many people who love color more than me that I get freaked out every time I hit Photoshop. Black and white? I know exactly what to do, but color offers a million solutions to problems I don't even know exist.

- Doug TenNapel

Love, Color, Own, Photoshop

The difference between graphic novels and web comics is even greater than graphic novels and story boarding. Web comics really is a legitimately separate genre.

- Doug TenNapel

Separate, Comics, Really, Graphic Novels

The point of view is the biggest problem with games, because what we play must be clearly presented in the best way for me to have an immersive game experience.

- Doug TenNapel

Game, Play, Best Way, Presented

When we go to see comedians or funny movies, they don't address the wall behind them; they face us. This is why a game's first job is to entertain through gameplay and secondarily through humor, drama, or other traditional entertainment devices. The humor has to be a gentleman. I mean, it needs to be squeezed in around the game.

- Doug TenNapel

Behind, Through, Entertain, First Job

Making modern games funny would be easy as pie if it was anybody's goal to actually make a funny game.

- Doug TenNapel

Game, Goal, Making, Pie

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