One of the most important things for a writer to keep in gear is a sense of what is happening in the world around us. Writers like Charles Dickens, Mark Twain, and John Steinbeck turned historical, social, and political events into the stuff of literary classics. Whether you agree or disagree with their perspectives, the fact is that volatile subjects and controversial characters entice readers. Today's political correctness, social issues, war on terrorism, and that most interesting Tea Party Movement are what powers the kind of writing readers will buy into. But even with a powerful subject, writing craft—or the craftiness of writers—is what sets the published apart from the wannabes.

With rampant greed running wild amongst the so-called leaders of our world, how often have we fantasized taking it to the limit. Saying “consequences be damned” and just letting go and giving those oh-so-deserving souls the physical smack down they warrant? Of course, as rational citizens of civilized society, fantasizing is as far as we do take it, physically speaking. But as writers, we have further recourse. Those that wield their sword-like pens can strike at will, metaphorically, by creating the necessary straw-men while exercising due caution against libel.

Back in the 70s and 80s, increasing crime and lenient courts gave birth to Dirty Harry and a posse of do-it-yourself justice tales, including Charles Bronson’s Death Wish series based on Paul Garfield’s original novel. Further back, social issues gave birth to such classics as Victor Hugo’s Les Miserables, Upton Sinclair’s The Jungle, and John Steinbeck’s The Grapes of Wrath. Today, the sense of hopelessness is palpable. While the mavens of Wall Street line their pockets, the middle class continues to shrink. Politicians are as clueless regarding solutions as the bigwigs of British Petroleum. These precarious current events provide writing opportunities just waiting to be banked. All you have to do is imagine a situation and ask yourself “what if?”

Consider the discontent of the growing homeless population. If you were trapped among them how long would it take for you to steal a loaf of bread to feed your hungry children? How much of a jump would it be from that to robbing banks? And what deterrent is there to discourage that sort of reaction? Prison? A place where security and social interaction are provided along with the three “squares a day” that are often lacking on the mean streets of America. Add in cable TV and prison sounds even better than a retirement home to most aging Baby Boomers.

With that as a worst case scenario, how long will it be until the abused begin to strike back at their perceived oppressors? What is there to lose once unemployment benefits run out and the home is repossessed? If the dispossessed happen to be union members, will the rest of the union membership strike in support or turn their backs? And how many military veterans, with their “special training,” go quietly into that dark night? Could this spark a revolution, if only financial? What if an entire generation joined hands and refused to honor any unsecured debts? What effects might this have on society? Would the National Guard be called out? Would the military agree to face down their own grandparents and former fellows-at-arms?

I’ve already begun with my concept, but the range of characters and plots to explore and develop is wide open. Below, is an excerpt from my working story, A Most Dangerous Generation:

“Here’s another,” Sam said as he clicked a link. “Check this out. Retiree puts hurt on insurance CEO.”

“No big deal there,” his editor countered. “It was one of those Toyota accelerator issues according to the report.”

“Ya think?” Sam clicked another link and gave his editor a wry glance. “Check this out.”

“Hmm," Zack Taylor grunted. “Retiree crushes bank president in freak accident.” He sat back and locked eyes with his senior newsman. “I don’t suppose I need to read further to discover that the two ladies are one and the same.”

“The very same.”

Taylor gave a brief nod before returning to the reports. He read for a minute or two before commenting, “So what you are insinuating is it was intentional for one reason or another. One thing, though, had the two men been killed outside their office buildings or even their homes I would understand.”

“But,” Sam Conner injected, “they weren’t. One was smooshed outside the United Center and the other while leaving the County Building. If this was planned…”

“There had to be more than one person involved.”

“So it’s a conspiracy?’

“A conspiracy… a movement even.”

“An organization… terrorists?”

“That I do not know, but I am looking into it.”

“And the old lady?”

“She had her license suspended pending a hearing.”

“And you know of others like this?”

Sam nodded.

“Get on it!”

So there you have it, the germ of an idea growing in my head. Hopefully, I’ve infected some of you as well.

Wil Hough is Poetry Editor and Graphics Editor for Rose & Thorn Journal.