Romance, Without the Romance

As more of my tales enter the world it will become apparent that romances play an important part in most of them. Perhaps it's because I'm a young woman for whom a fulfilling relationship is integral to her happiness yet another factor is the deep connections that can spring from such relationships. On a biological level nothing is more critical than the union of two individuals and subsequent rearing of offspring. On a personal level the experience of lust, love, affection, longing, regret – few emotions are more powerful than the ones elicited by romantic potential. One might say that all of life's complexities stem from the drive to seek out the pleasure of companionship, no matter how prolonged or fleeting.

I enjoy simple romances which focus on characters discovering themselves and each other on the course toward romantic fulfillment. Desire can but doesn't have to be a critical aspect. I have read stories that touched me with their intensity with very little lust and some with a good deal. Both, when done well, can be stunningly beautiful.

There's another type of romance I'd like to acknowledge here. It can live in any type of tale involving two characters who develop an attachment, but differs from more traditional love stories in its treatment of the circumstances surrounding the lovers. The stories I'm referring to are those that draw attention to the fact that the circumstances, more even than the couple, are the source of the romance. An example of this type of story is The Hunger Games trilogy. At the outset the reader does not doubt that, had there been no Hunger Game for Katniss or her sister, our heroine would have ended up with Gale. Although Peeta has harboured affection for her before them it's the Games that make them a couple, the unique circumstances ultimately leading to the two falling in love.

It's very reasonable to say that Peeta and Katniss have no choice in this development since no other person can relate to what they've been through, their emotions manipulated by the people and environments around them. This fact doesn't even particularly matter so long as they are happy together. The importance of circumstance is often overlooked in romances so I appreciate stories that draw attention to what is really the most critical aspect of relationships. You are far more likely to end up with someone who is familiar to you, similar background, ethnicity, physical location and upbringing, than not because it's easier to understand someone who shares these aspects. Yes, perhaps it's not very romantic but it is realistic. 

I commend stories that can weave good characters, intriguing plot, and realism since it is no easy task. Those that achieve it are worthy of recognition as truly great writers.

Image of a man's hand exchanging a flower with a woman's courtesy of Faylinn

Unfurling...

It's a magical moment when all the threads of a story begin coming together.  Characters you like but whose paths have been mindless and destinations whose map was only a figment start unfurling like new leaves, filling an author with the vigor only inspiration can bestow.  The wonder at discovering the promise of a whole narrative with depth and intrigue is a potent brew.  That is how I began to feel about the second installment in my 'Call of the Black Panther' universe yesterday, watching the landscape slip by on a trip to visit family.

If I wanted to get philosophical I suppose the connection makes some sense.  There are many concerns touched on in the Panther books but the notion of 'family' is perhaps one of the biggest.  Tension between creatures different from ourselves, as well as facets that are considered 'different' within a scientific classification, is not a new theme but which still lies at the heart of our struggles as a species.  Embedded in that struggle for balance is the risk of radicalisation, a topic the second book looks at in more detail.  Walking the line between security and freedom is of particular importance in our increasingly connected global society.  In both books I endeavour to show that neither Human branch is completely good or bad, only that individual choice is of paramount importance.  Whereas it is easy to simply 'go-along' with others that inaction can lead to unsettling consequences.  Every society benefits from questioning the perceived 'best course of action' and whose desires are met by making particular choices.

Ultimately, because I'm an optimist, I believe that people generally make good moral decisions.  Repression, stress, lack of education, lethargy all affect the moral quality of a decision but everyone has the capacity to recognise right from wrong and desire an ethical conclusion.  This universe is my own rendition of where such moral tensions can play out, particularly in the thorny area of inter-Human 'difference'.  Characters who are good will make bad decisions and have to live with the consequences.  The reverse will also be true, the actions of those around these characters constantly affecting their view of cause and effect.

One of an author's biggest challenges is capturing a semblance of life in their work, the complexity of interacting forces ensuring that sometimes even the creator will not fully understand where their words are coming from.  Stories are fundamentally lessons about life.  They range from the ordinary to grotesque, simultaneously examining and embodying the nebulous nature of our conscious reality.  This artistic form is at once a source of pleasure and introspection, enabling us to see what we've come to expect in new ways.  That is what I ultimately hope comes from others reading my stories - a new perspective on the world.  Perhaps even one that will help it become a better place.  As any artist will tell you, it doesn't hurt to dream.

Image of writing by after-the-party

Why Do I Write?

At every point in history and most certainly in the current economic climate authors have faced answering this question.  Since writing is not an occupation usually sought out for its monetary rewards, delving into the depths of an answer often results in vague and unhelpful explanations such as: ‘I just have to’ or ‘I do it because I love it’.  In an attempt to avoid this dead-end response I will analyse and then add a personal twist to why I conduct this activity despite the numerous other demands in my life.  

Writing is a solitary activity yet the process by which any composition comes into being requires an understanding of human social nature.  Writing is a form of communication which, by its definition, is the transition of information from one being to another.  Given this fact it’s no surprise that authors generally want to be read by others.  What starts as pure personal enjoyment of and fascination with ideas, characters, and circumstances slowly branches out to demand interaction with other minds.  The desire and ability to communicate complex messages and concepts is one of the key aspects that define humans as an advanced species.  What began as a solely oral medium evolved into a longer-lasting record of human thoughts and realities, first through art and then written language.  

The passing on of knowledge gathered over one or many lifetimes makes up the realm of nonfiction, a genre valued for its practical implications in our material world.  Storytelling, by contrast, has become a genre of entertainment to be indulged in for escape rather than higher contemplation.  While practical knowledge definitely has its value in the exploration of this Earthly existence I believe very strongly that fiction is as important and educational a genre as its purportedly ‘true’ counterpart.

“Of course she does,” you may say, “she writes it.” But hear me out.

Storytelling is perhaps the most accessible means of communicating truths and lessons.  While a lecture will only stay with its listener in bits and pieces a story can capture and become imprinted on the mind in far less time.  Such accessibility encourages active engagement with a wide variety of subjects in a sphere that lacks the threatening aspect of being based in real life.  Nonfiction can foster such interactions but the multicultural and multi-generational audience for stories make them a powerful medium for critical and creative exploration.  In a world where the creation and dissemination of information is proposed as the new economic frontier, a wide variety of arts but perhaps particularly writing has the ability to spread, build and challenge the human species.

Critical thinking and problem solving are two essential aspects of human interactions in every context but the democratic process is perhaps the most obvious example.  Exposure to different cultures in relate-able contexts leads to increased empathy which, in turn, can result in greater acceptance of diversity and more well-rounded citizens.  Stories introduce readers to such differences in safe environments, sowing the seeds of understanding and open-mindedness.  Reading preference and choice can, of course, influence the extent of such positive results.  Books that people read because they are ‘easy’ or ‘light’ can serve the same functions but at less intense levels.  I choose to write in the genre of fantasy because it provides me with limitless possible avenues to explore the topics and characters that interest me.  Although readers may have preconceptions about what they enjoy reading the truth is that stories can appeal to a wide variety of individuals no matter the genre.  Some might say they love mystery and hate science fiction or hate romance and love fantasy but, ultimately, it is the storytelling style more than the genre that determines a good book for readers.  According to Joyce Saricks’ Appeal Factors, readers usually read for Character, Pacing, Language, or Story.  As a reader and author I focus on Characters and Story.

Ultimately, no matter why you may like a certain style of book, all literature expands the perspectives of those who read them while also providing a source of inspiring and genuinely pleasing entertainment.  To explore the myriad of themes and circumstances that interest me and to (hopefully) provide enjoyment and inspiration to others is why I write.  The ability to sustain myself on a monetary front would simply be an added bonus.  

I hope whoever reads this will find it informative and perhaps even a little interesting.  I will try to update with a post every two weeks but, seeing as writing is not my main source of income, life may dictate otherwise.  The next update will include some details and links to my original works.  Until we meet again.