Everyone loves a redemption story

Earl

July 29, 2015

Blog

Everyone loves a redemption story. It’s the basic theme of almost every ancient saga, classic novel, and Hollywood movie ever made. Read any book on writing and  you’ll probably get advice on how to take a flawed character, give him or her a problem, and let the resolution of the conflict be the logical outcome […]

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What Does Consciousness Have to Do with Fiction?

Earl

May 10, 2015

Blog

Well . . . We expect fictional characters to be conscious—meaning to have some level of self-awareness—in order that we can understand, believe in, and perhaps identify with their motives. It’s fair to say that the quality of being conscious is the essential human quality, even though we don’t have a very clear idea what […]

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Drug Noir and the Collision of Selfish Motives

Earl

April 28, 2015

Blog

The world of drug addiction and alcoholism fascinates me. It consistently generates drama, pathos, irony, and personal stories stranger than the edgiest fiction. My experience indicates that some growth and distance from active addiction is useful in finding a place of compassion and sensible reflection regarding the ordeal of dependence on substances. In my book, […]

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