Straight out political messaging in fiction annoys me. Didactic is a good word, getting hit on the head is another way of saying it, which usually goes with "being talked down to". That stuff isn't subtle. I wrote a science-fiction tetralogy (that's 4 books, Craig, lol!) around the slipping/sliding of a democracy into dictatorship. It's a wild ride and tons of fun (to read AND write). Maybe I should re-issue the thing ... it's so on the nose right now that it hurts.
Do you find it difficult to writer a character with beliefs opposite to yours. It must be hard to get in that mindset to make it believable and not supercicial.
It's a very good question - I have tried. The main character in Ethical Aspects of Animal Husbandry is like that.
I think it's a good challenge for a writer. Walk a mile in someone else's shoes... because then you will be a mile away, and you will have their shoes.
I don't find it difficult because it usually goes with everyday behavior that hits that nail on the head better than ideological statements. I won't say a guy is a misogynist, I will show him treating his wife like shit.
Messages work best for me when they are part of the atmosphere. If the hero of the story is a working-class stiff, and the villains are rich and powerful--that's a message. It doesn't need a lot of elaboration.
Straight out political messaging in fiction annoys me. Didactic is a good word, getting hit on the head is another way of saying it, which usually goes with "being talked down to". That stuff isn't subtle. I wrote a science-fiction tetralogy (that's 4 books, Craig, lol!) around the slipping/sliding of a democracy into dictatorship. It's a wild ride and tons of fun (to read AND write). Maybe I should re-issue the thing ... it's so on the nose right now that it hurts.
Yes! Time to re-issue!
I’m too busy this year… maybe next year… I will need new covers, wink wink…
I know a guy
Do you like dystopian SF with a touch of fantasy?
Do you find it difficult to writer a character with beliefs opposite to yours. It must be hard to get in that mindset to make it believable and not supercicial.
It's a very good question - I have tried. The main character in Ethical Aspects of Animal Husbandry is like that.
I think it's a good challenge for a writer. Walk a mile in someone else's shoes... because then you will be a mile away, and you will have their shoes.
I don't find it difficult because it usually goes with everyday behavior that hits that nail on the head better than ideological statements. I won't say a guy is a misogynist, I will show him treating his wife like shit.
Takes a light touch.
I loved the way you handled the rage in Sayulita.
Thanks Carlotta
Messages work best for me when they are part of the atmosphere. If the hero of the story is a working-class stiff, and the villains are rich and powerful--that's a message. It doesn't need a lot of elaboration.
Agreed.