I shouldn’t blog
here about political things. Writers Who Kill is about writing and reading, and
other things that cross the quirky minds of us blogpeople. But really, we
should steer clear of politics. You, the reader, may have different beliefs
than I have, and I don’t want to offend you.
Which
is why I shouldn’t post about the Brett Kavanaugh hearings. I shouldn’t talk
about how compelling Christine Blasey Ford’s testimony was nor mention that
I’ve worked with many survivors of sexual abuse and do you know how these
victims look? They look EXACTLY like Christine Blasey Ford: the shaky voice. The reluctance to come
forward. The trauma symptoms that have polluted her life since high school. I
probably shouldn’t mention that all this media exposure about what happened to
her has triggered sexual abuse survivors all over the country to reexperience their
own trauma symptoms. I’ve heard from some. I encourage them to turn off the
news.
Instead,
I should talk to y’all about this writing conference I’m attending: The Women’s
Fiction Writers Association’s annual retreat in beautiful Albuquerque. About
the great discussions on revision, and how they had an actual margarita
fountain! (Okay, that’s not writing related. Or is it?)
Hotel Albuquerque hosted us for the WFWA Retreat
The
conference speaker, Jennie Nash, talked about showing-vs-telling and how
important it is to avoid an info dump. Is dialogue used effectively? Speaking
of dialogue, I probably shouldn’t mention how disturbing I found Kavanaugh’s
demeanor when he talked. How his lack of composure and quivering rage made me
question his ability to make reasoned, well thought out decisions as part of
the highest court in our country. Or how troubling I found it that he actually
used the same words as Clarence Thomas used to describe how he was being victimized by the process.
When
we write a scene, what the character says is important, but what he’s actually
thinking is what’s fascinating. (I wonder what the senators were thinking as
they listened to the testimony? Some were so stone-faced, I wondered if they
were breathing. Others were so contorted with rage I thought heads might
explode.)
Resolution
is important in women’s fiction, we were reminded at the conference. Not all
the ends have to be tidied up, but the reader should close the book feeling
satisfied.
I
don’t feel resolved about the Kavanaugh nomination. They’re delaying the vote
for a week, and President Trump has
requested an FBI investigation. I’m relieved about that. Any step we take to
get closer to the truth is the right thing. What I think is true may not be
what you think is true, but how can any of us feel resolved if we don’t bother
talking to witnesses and exploring other allegations? This decision is almost irreversible.
Let’s make it wisely.
Speaking
of wise, I’m not being it. I’m talking to y’all about politics and may have
even angered one or two of you. I apologize if I did. I can’t seem to stop
myself.
My
hope is this: whatever happens, we, as a nation, will heal. Emotions have run
high in recent weeks (it’s horrific that both Ford and Kavanaugh have received
death threats). We are as divided as we’ve ever been. Somehow, we need to come
together again, to realize the values and liberties on which our country was
founded still matter today. Maybe we can turn us vs them into simply, US.
Then,
maybe, I can stop mouthing off about politics.
(You
think the conference will have the margarita fountain tonight? Because after
the week I’ve had …)
Peace,
my friends.
PS I did a TV interview about this subject for WACH TV. I begin around minute 25. Go HERE to watch.
PS I did a TV interview about this subject for WACH TV. I begin around minute 25. Go HERE to watch.
