How Codes of Conduct Are Weaponized
Even in the modern world that takes pride in diversity, equal opportunities, and tolerance, there is a significantly worrying trend emerging — using certain behavioral standards as weapons to mute, bruise, and punish people with conservative ideologies. Codes of conduct that were designed to manage interactions between people and make the society a better place have, more often than not, evolved to be mechanisms for enforcing orthodoxy. Now, they are used to silence those who wish to express unconventional thoughts. This represents reverse evolution case – it is societal repression…
When “Nazi” Loses Its Meaning: The Danger of Diluting History
Recently, I went to Blue Sky (which I do not do frequently) and witnessed all sorts of unkind slurs being directed at people who, for the most part, were trying to articulate reasonable opinions that contradicted the current leftist ideology. Out of curiosity, I conducted some informal observations, such as estimating how many times the term “Nazi” gets used on the platform. The answer: over twenty times per minute. Astounding and unfortunate. The term “Nazi” is indeed one of the most powerful names in history. It evokes images of brutal genocides, and a regime fueled with domination…
Why Freedom of Speech is Essential for Fiction Writers
Different narratives are bound to deal with human behavior, and in such a case, freedom of expression is dynamic: it serves as the very vein to creativity. For fiction writers, this liberty is the building block upon which creativity, invention, and telling the truth rest. Without it, the stories that are meant to foster change, motivation, and transformation will be suppressed and the world would be a bleak place. The Influence of Story Telling Writers of fiction are storytellers; on the contrary, they are seekers of the truth. With their work, they study human beings’ intricacies, consider…
Thinking of Turning Your D&D Game Into a Novel?
Did you know that the Margaret Weis and Tracy Hickman book The Dragons of Autumn Twilight , the first entry in a four-book series, was based off of their own D&D campaign? This captivating tale centers around a group of adventurers who come together after years of separation. Initially, they hadn’t intended to embark on another quest, but circumstances force their hands when they discover that the Dragon Highlords are plotting to conquer the entire continent. With the addition of the resilient plainsfolk Goldmoon and Riverwind, the reunited companions set forth on a perilous journey to thwart…
Of Wagging Tails and Furry Co-Stars: Pets in Novels of All Genres
Let’s discuss pets in novels. I’ll confess: I have a number of pets. My home office is pretty much a veritable land mine of dog toys and rawhide in various states of softness and mastication. When I write, there is usually some creature lying at my feet. Though I’m sure that they’re secretly conspiring to stage an epic adventure that will end with all of them growing opposable thumbs and hence no longer having to rely on me to open bags of treats. This pet-friendly household made me think of the wonderful pets that show up in some of my favorite stories — pets who can serve as loyal sidekicks…
The Magic of Christmas in Fiction: A Season for Every Story
Hot take: Anyone who does not think Christmas is the greatest holiday is weird. Actually, I want you out of my life, right now, forever. The irrefutable, and objectively correct, truth is that Christmas is the best. For writers in all genres, it has long been a lair for inspiration, especially in fiction. The rich tapestry of traditions, emotions, and imagery it offers serves as a backdrop that can enrich narratives in countless ways. From the warmth of family gatherings to the chill of a snow-laden night, Christmas offers a versatile backdrop that readers can relate to — no matter where they…
Speak Loudly: Tools for Authors Facing Book Bans
Today we have a fascinating article from guest blogger Jenna Sherman, a mom of three who hopes to help other parents acquire the skills to raise future leaders by providing valuable, up-to-date, authoritative resources. She created parent-leaders.com as an avenue for parents who want to make sure their children grow up to be strong, independent, successful adults. In today’s increasingly competitive literary landscape, authors from diverse backgrounds face unique challenges that go beyond the creative process, as societal pressures often push back against voices that dare to disrupt the norm…
The Resonance of Voice in Storytelling: Insights from Classic Literature
Voice is one of the fundamental elements of narrative in the vast landscape of literature that sets one narrative apart from the other. It’s not only the words used in a story, but the unique voice, tone and style that an author or character adds. Voice is the heart of storytelling, the pulse of narrative that brings a story to life and makes it tangible on a very personal level to readers. Think of the inimitable voice of Mark Twain in The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn. Twain deftly utilizes the regional dialects and colloquial speech of the American South to realistically evoke the stories…