"There were two things going on: 1) I had already established in my own mind where I wanted to go with the next series, and having James around as a Grey Eminence would have complicated matters. He had had an amazing life and it was time to bid him good-bye"

This quote is from Raymond E. Feist, and it talks to the idea of carrying on from something that has actually been a part of your life for a very long time. In this case, the speaker is referring to James, who has actually belonged of their life for a very long time. The speaker has already established in their own mind where they wish to go with the next series, and having James around as a Grey Eminence would have made complex matters. This suggests that the speaker is prepared to move on from James and the life they have actually shared together. The speaker acknowledges that James has had a fantastic life, and it is time to bid him good-bye. This quote speaks to the concept of letting go of something that has actually been a part of your life for a long time, and the courage it requires to carry on and start something brand-new. It is a tip that in some cases it is essential to let go of the past in order to progress and develop something brand-new.