Radical Writing by Wil Hough
The recent proletariat revolution in Egypt following on the heels of social unrest in Greece has led to all sorts of speculation as to what it might mean to the rest of the world. Certainly the writing opportunities presented by such interesting times are legion. However, in order to set your writing apart from the usual, you must seek out a most creative scenario—something to really exercise the emotions of your projected readership.
By now, I imagine all of you are aware of the controversial legislative debate that has occurred in Wisconsin. Based on news reports, one would believe that the 60’s radicals had awakened from their sleeper cells to once again disrupt the democratic process. The protesters cried out as if Governor Walker’s attempt to end collective bargaining for public employee unions was the end of peace, justice, and the American way. The governor insists it’s only about improving the finances of his state. Most importantly to this blog is the question: What does this controversial debate have to offer to writers of all stripes?
Guys, this kind of social upheaval is the stuff of Dickens, Hugo, and Orwell. The Upton Sinclair-like worker/management dichotomy plays like a reverse Jungle. The cries of unionists smack of a Grapes of Wrath mentality. This is where an enterprising author can take a story line and run with it all the way to the bank. But how to best do so? Essay, novelization, a blend of the two?
As for essay, none of us likes to wade through dry commentary. A parable always makes for the best characterization. And in a novel, we are free to plot things up as we go along in the service of plaiting our points. But be careful. This is not Star Wars or even Harry Potter, though maybe just a bit so in the latter. In Star Wars good was good and bad was bad and never the two were confused. However, in the Harry Potter stories, we were more often than not confused as to who was what. We were pretty sure Harry was ok, but what about Siruis Black, Mad Eye Moody, and Professor Snape amongst others? Wasn’t that sweet?
In a strong novel, nobody is totally evil or totally good but somewhere amongst the shades of gray. I love a novel wherein I feel compassion for the villain—sometimes even rooting for said unfortunate. It’s been writ there are two sides to every issue. I contend such a perspective produces a flat, two dimensional story line. The true gem of a novel provides multiple facets. Good writers understand the rule of unintended consequences, such as may be occurring in Wisconsin. But wait! Before you go off writing about that villainous governor or those Bolshevist protesters consider another rule of writing: Write what you know.
Yeah, yeah. I know. That’s just what you’re gonna do, right? Wrong! Do not pick up the banner and crusade for your side of the argument. Instead, attack it. What better way to support your argument than to build sympathy for it by taking on the nature of the enemy and beating up on your hero. Of course, to do so you have to admit your weaknesses as well as your strengths, the errors of your point of view as well as the truths. Here’s an example:
Most everyone knows me as a Liberal. However, I am not a hard leftist (even as a hockey player I was neither an offensive right or left-winger but a defenseman). I try to consider all points of view in order to find the true path. Often, I have to admit error and back track. That in my mind is true Liberalism. So as a concerned public employee, I would place myself among the protesters in Madison crying out at the injustice of it all.
Alternately, in congressional garb, I might weigh both sides of the argument. Then gradually, some of the governor’s logic might erode the party line with which I had been swept along. I would waver, confessing doubts to my fellow protesters. They would first encourage me to hold the line. Then, some would begin to take a threatening posture. At some point, I might come upon Saul Alinsky’s Rules for Radicals and put two and two together. Perhaps this would occur during the protests or some time after the bill was passed and a Michael Moore-type character was seeking to fan the flames of rebellion beyond acceptable bounds.
My battle at that time would become one of finding the balance between right and wrong. At that point, both sides would consider me the enemy. I would become The Referee, blowing the whistle and calling fouls as I saw them. In an honest story, I would end up martyred, exposing the evildoers. In your version, you might be my Brutus.
Whatever the outcome, remember—controversy sells. So take advantage while you may. Who knows, maybe your point of view will provide not only potential answers to our current problems but also become the next great American novel.
Wil Hough is Poetry Editor and Graphics Editor for Rose & Thorn Journal.
As far as being neither a right or left winger, my wife has pointed out since I am dyslexic, her apt op, I've never really known my right from my left anyway. Yuk yuk. To read more on the Wisconsin budget plan and how it could help your state economies, read the Charlie Sykes Blog at: http://www620wtmjcom/shows/sykes
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To follow along with the Wisconsin issue got to http://www620wtmjcom/shows/sykes
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Hi Papa,
Realy liked this article.I am so concerned with these trying times--here and abroad--but what do I care? (some would say) I am in the here and now. Someone should record these in a way to have historical meaning--but I feel its not I. Being old enough has itscomfort jones as well as its concerns. I have the thoughts to save the world but expressing them in words is another matter. Fondly, Msal
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