Eva A. Blaskovic | Why We Read What We Do

Today's readers engage in a number of genre categories.

Fantasy provides a means of escape from people's current lives and problems. It becomes a refuge, a place where anything can happen, and often does. Whether the characters experience joy or distress, it is a world completely apart from our own. Our rules do not apply, thus the reader is plunged into the author's imagination, and sets off on an armchair adventure or much-needed vacation.

Futuristic genres or alternate realities can go two ways. Often, they hook into the features of our own world and project into a possible future—one that is either worse than ours, or better. Sci-Fi writers reveal what we do not want our future to become, such as in FAHRENHEIT 451 by Ray Bradbury. Many futuristic stories are realistic enough to affect us personally. They serve as a warning by underscoring the importance of holding onto our values and ethics if we want to create a world we'd want to live in. They show us the dark side of humanity, and open our minds to disturbing possibilities. Stories about dysfunctional societies, such as HUNGER GAMES by Suzanne Collins, are more about human history than younger readers realize. Younger readers may also accept that Haymitch drinks without understanding why. For older readers, the experience of reading such books can be intense. Futuristic stories that show a better future give us a sense of hope. They make us aware of the full potential of humanity. An example is "Star Trek: The Next Generation" television series. With so many problems around us, it is both refreshing and reassuring to experience such optimism, and so many human failings and obstacles conquered.

Post-apocalyptic stories can apply elements such as zombies, invaders from space, or disasters on the planetary scale. Often they describe the struggle humanity faces just to survive in the new world, both physically and emotionally. Sometimes the characters are confronted with the possibility of extinction of our species, such as in BATTLEFIELD EARTH by L. Ron Hubbard (radiation, invasion) or "The Walking Dead" television show. Scenarios depicted in THE ROAD by Cormac McCarthy are so devastating that they make us value the world we have today, however imperfect. Survival is reduced to the most basic level, something we need to connect with. We may also revel in the simplicity of a large, visible problem compared to the smaller, more numerous, and covert problems that create high levels of stress in people today. With civilization, current government, and modern conveniences out of the way, humanity can "reset."

I write books that fall under the reality fiction, psychological suspense, or social drama headings. Although the events and people in my books are fictional, they could be real. This brings a sense of immediacy and relevance to readers. The messages and lessons within relate to our world and society as we experience it today. The hope is that readers find validation, vindication, and an understanding of their own lives, passions, motives, and situations. The intent is to provoke readers into questioning the world and relationships around them against a backdrop of our own society, while instilling a sense of hope and resolve.

Although "Lion King" is a cartoon with talking animals, it is a reflection of people and holds important life messages. "Dead Poets Society" shows how a single person can make a difference, and how devastating parental disapproval and oppression, influenced by societal norms or personal convictions, can be. It also hits the mark in showing us how the person responsible for the damage is often oblivious to it.

With thanks to Paula Hodgins for contributing ideas to this post.

BEYOND THE PRECIPICE

BEYOND THE PRECIPICE is the first in a trilogy featuring Bret Killeen, an 18 year old musical genius who, for over six years, believes himself responsible for his father's death.

Bret lives a desolate existence in denial and secret shame. As Bret grows into a young man he feels increasingly trapped by his father's dying wishes: that he renounce music in favor of money. Moreover, his brother uses Bret's guilt to his own ends, and his abusive uncle openly rejects him.

When Bret falls for Nicole, a young musician who stands for everything his father despised, his self-loathing rapidly intensifies. Meanwhile, Bret watches his mother, Kyra-his one true supporter-descend into the trap of poverty. The life Bret had finally reconciled himself to swiftly disintegrates.

Dr. Kern Willoughby, Nicole's father, holds the keys to Bret's future-but only if he can let go of his guilt, accept himself, and find the courage to accept help.

BEYOND THE PRECIPICE is Eva A. Blaskovic's first novel. The critical acclaim Blaskovic's title has already been accorded is exceptional, especially for a debut title. Readers the world over-including editorial professionals of Pulitzer Prize winning titles, and Hollywood screenplay writers-have marveled at the novel's complexity and magnetism.