There are three types of stories I don’t intend to write. While there are likely some hints of each, if you are looking primarily for one of these, you probably need to search elsewhere.
- Dystopian Future. There are many books and movies painting a dismal picture of humanity’s up-coming days. In such stories, a hero needs to arise, fight against overwhelming odds, and bring a glimmer of hope for a brighter tomorrow.
There are others who write such stories very well. Dystopian stories work from the assumption that things will get much worse before they can be better. Of course, there are dark elements in my work; they fuel the conflict the heroines and heroes must address. But the primary focus of my work is the possibility of increased health, compassion, respect, and dignity for all. The dark forces are the outlier, not the other-way-around.
- Kids Can’t Trust Adults. “Trust no one over thirty” was a saying back in the 1960’s. We read/hear numerous tales where the adults are too preoccupied with their own world to pay attention, much less help the youth address a problem. So it’s up to the young to save the world.
My protagonist is 19 years-of-age. However, once she figures out where the real threat originates, she seeks and receives help from several older people. Some she has known for years, and others she has just met. Part of the dynamic of her dilemma is discovering who is trustworthy.
- The Token Man (or Woman). I don’t know about you, but I’ve seen too many stories where one gender (or race) has all the brains, responsibility, compassion, or power and the other is only a clueless buffoon, “eye candy,” or obstacle to be conquered.
My main character is a strong, intelligent female. She works with and seeks the advice of other capable, responsible men and women. For her to prevail, she must take wisdom wherever she finds it—even from her sworn enemy.
There is a place for all of these styles of story. However, writing them is not my calling or gift. So I am trying to do something different.
More about that next time.
E. L. Morrow -- Author 