I prefer to read and write fiction that has moral heft to it, a clear moral choice, or choices, that must be made by the characters and ways in which the consequences of the choice lead to good or bad outcomes. In IN LOVE AND WAR, Mack and Inga make unwise decisions, ones that cause them a lot of pain. Their choice to have premarital sex leads to an unexpected child that Inga must live a lie to protect. Inga choosing to go to Germany at the onset of the war also has horrible consequences.
In most, if not all of my fiction, there are such moral or ethical dilemmas. A CONTRITE SPIRIT is one elaborate dilemma. How can Hyrum live with himself after the horror he has participated in in combat? He was not merely fighting, he was leading a unit of men, many of which he lost. How does he make peace with his Maker and his fellow man?
I would challenge my fellow writers to give more attention and energy to the moral dimension of their work. It adds depth, causes the reader to pause and have valuable insights about the nature of being human.
Novella available for FREE. For three days, from February 21 to February 23, I will be giving away "Under Old Glory," the prequel to my novel A CONTRITE SPIRIT, due to be published later this year. If you are a fan of good historical fiction, and family stories, this booklet is a must for your collection!
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