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 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.
3 comments posted.
This book sounds like it will be a great read. It's amazing that our Parents can have such an affect on us through the years. My Mother had an effect on my life, but not in this direction. I would love to read this book, just to see how the story plays out. I know my life would have been completely different, had I just listened to my gut insticts instead of my Mothers' statements to me, when I was making my life's most important decisions.
(Peggy Roberson 7:53am January 22, 2014)
Thanks for your comment, Peggy. You're right. Listening to ourselves is key, and many people don't figure it out until it's too late. In BTP, I contrast the damage that can be done to youth against what works. It's a message that I hope people see. There's not just a problem in this book; there's a solution.
(Eva Blaskovic 1:49pm January 24, 2014)