Grace, the incredible quality of unearned mercy

Grace as a concept has always astounded me. When mercy is given without any good reason, it boggles the mind. I think it's even more powerful than forgiveness, which isn't really earned either but many times is expected. But, grace is given without earning it. Grace is more than simple kindness, it is mercy extended because the giver wants to do it and not because of saying "I'm sorry." Grace is a golden present.

Many stories have redemption as a core part of the plot. We like seeing characters redeem themselves, especially when it is a huge swing from bad to good. Such stories usually take advantage of our desire to forgive and see people humble themselves and repent. Lots of superhero stories are like that. But, what happens when a character is given mercy they don't deserve? Like a priest forgiving the murderer who just shot him in cold blood?

In my opinion, stories that utilize grace as a central plot are very difficult to handle. I think we are hard-wired to reject mercy, because we haven't earned it and we desperately want to earn any forgiveness we get. Audiences also are like that, wanting to know why and how. Grace isn't a reward, it's a gift, and so is tough to explain. But, when it's used well it's magnificent. One triumphant example is from Les Miserables (where a convict is given grace by a priest, and the entire story changes immediately).

Grace is powerful, unearned, and yet so welcome when accepted. It can rock the world.

- M

Setting the Tone, and making sure you stick with it.

I've been learning a great deal about a concept in stories called "Tone." It's not a new concept, and certainly understood without even being aware of it. Basically, what "Tone" is all about is keeping things similar throughout the story--like a comedy "Tone" shouldn't include extensive horror scenes, at least without reason, because the shift in "Tone" confuses the audience. Mainly, by keeping the story consistent, the audience keeps up and doesn't get lost in twists and turns that come from nowhere.

This sort of thing is really apparent in movies, because the "Tone" is very visual. Imagine how jarring it would be to watch the "10 Commandments" and see Moses suddenly break into dance and song as he comes down the mountain with the tablets. It just doesn't fit. Being aware of the "Tone" makes authors keep a restraint on things going out of control. Sure, it would be fun to see Professor Xavier from X-Men throw out some one liner jokes, but it wouldn't fit the "Tone" of his character at all.

What has been very illuminating to me is how often the creative process falls away from the "Tone" that's already been set. I find myself going over my own works and slicing out stuff that just doesn't fit because of it--I can't say I was aware of why before, but in the last few years I sure have learned. It is so easy to go off the rails and interject humor where it shouldn't be.

It's wonderful to learn new things, and keep improving. I pray it never stops.

- M

History of the world, or a world, or at least a neat place to live.

History creates depth within a story, even when the history is entire fictional and set in a fictional world. When an author knows the history of their story, the feeling of depth comes through and inspires the audience. And, with a solid background in mind, the author can easily plan future events and twists. The extra effort is well worth it, in my opinion.

Some of the greatest achievements in fictional literary history are the massive histories J.R.R. Tolkien created for his "Lord of the Ring" series. He created several entire languages, wrote centuries of detailed history (much of it captured in the "Silmarillion" and "Lost Tales"), and quite literally created an entire living world. Such feats of imagination are truly impressive to me, not because of all the work, but because so much of it never appears in the stories we all know and love. It's fantastic how detailed they are, and a bit intimidating once you start delving into them.

I'm not suggesting that every work needs such phenomenal history behind it, but having some works very well. If you are writing a series, it is even better, because you and the audience create additional history as the series grows and breathes. Once again, being in the audience is exciting and rewarding, as both author and audience work together to make the whole greater than its parts. I've never believed that the author is alone in that, and particularly in the area of shared history. Whatever the reasons, making a background history is important and shouldn't be ignored.

- M

Time Travel and fiddling about with history

I'm a sucker for a good science fiction story, and especially time travel. One current favorite is 12:01--it's a lot like other repeating day stories, but it's tongue-in-cheek with science thrown in somewhere (not especially great science, but just overlook that bit and you'll be fine). What makes a good time travel story special is when things actually matter as a result. Time travel allows the audience to be part of the story in a way other story types don't allow.

In recent times the time travel movies that got things started were: Groundhog Day and The Terminator. I love that each of these movies are so very different, even though they are grounded in the same idea of time travel. It demonstrates the incredible variety of stories with similar plots. There are said to be only a handful of story plots, but the mind boggling diversity shows how creative we human beings actually are.

The neat thing about time travel is the chance to do things over, undo events and try a different tactic. There is a new movie coming out dealing with this idea, where a new soldier recruit find himself living the same day over and again, learning to fight the alien menace, and making the good guys win. Of course, if everyone has the ability, then what would ever get done? I've read many scientific meanderings about time travel, and have my own pet theories, but the main point is that nothing is permanent in a universe with time travel. And that's the fun... seeing what people do with the power to change history.

- M

Bigfoot, the Loch Ness Monster, and other mysteries that make us wonder at the world.

It's curious how some stories catch hold of the popular imagination and continue for centuries. I'm sure they are based on something, though they probably aren't understood or even the same things every time. Whatever people are seeing, they do seem to pop up in the same places, and are documented for many years. Bigfoot, for instance, was apparently seen by the native American Indians and they had many oral stories about it.

I think we really want there to still be mysteries around us. It's like a primal need that we don't actually want to know everything, but to allow the unknown to survive. I love that desire, especially as a writer, because that means people crave new stories and mysteries. Highlighting that desire, the Animal Planet station on television is doing a Monster Week of shows (mainly the guy who fishes for monster freshwater fish, which is much more interesting that it sounds).

If someone were to ask me if I believe in these strange creatures that people see, well, yes and no. I believe they are seeing something, but not necessarily what they describe. Our minds are notoriously unreliable as first-hand witnesses. However, as the old saying goes: "Where there's smoke, there's fire." Consistent witnesses point toward something, and it wasn't that long ago that the famous mountain gorillas were considered a fantasy but later turned out true.

I'm glad there are mysteries still out there, and that we constantly chase them. I pray that chase never ends.

- M

Children are wonderful!!

My wife and I are blessed with three children. I love children, and am grateful for the opportunity to be a part of raising these three. What is endlessly fascinating is how you see the world all over again through a new set of eyes. Everything is experienced all over again, especially the things you figured were common and normal. Like mud.. what is the deal with mud? Children practically roll around in it, eat it, make pies from it, and love to show you their creations. Weird.

In stories, children are somewhat of a hit-or-miss aspect. While they can be charming, they can also be annoying. I think the reason is because of their innate immaturity (which is clearly expected) that gets them into trouble. I still cringe at the little girl in the book form of "Jurassic Park" (the movie changed it up and made the little boy the annoying one), yet one of my favorite stories is "The Neverending Story" which features many kids as is incredibly charming. There's quite a lot of discussion on the topic of children in movies, but I think it's overall a good thing. We naturally relate to children, because we all were one at some point (even if we don't admit it), but the lack of maturity can easily trample the film.

Children are a blessing to us, no doubt about it. I admire anyone with more than six these days; it must be difficult keeping control of the chaos. With children, parents quickly learn responsibility of a whole new type and grow up even more. And, we get the pleasure of watching young minds grow and prosper under our tutelage. Big responsibility, but also a very big payoff.

- M

Lindsey Stirling, our new music box dancer!

A bit after I was born, there was a sensation in a song called "Music Box Dancer." I'm sure you've all heard it, though you may not recognize it from the title. Anyway, Lindsey Stirling has captured the hearts of many of us throughout the world. She was on one of those television talent shows ("America's Got Talent") and didn't win. However, the public was taken by her infectious spirit and complete lack of giveupedness. She went on to create her own YouTube channel (Lindsey Stirling), and rapidly became a sensation.

She now has two albums available for purchase, and has millions of followers all over the world. It has been a pleasure watching her growth from obscurity to fame. One of the big reasons is her consistently excellent videos and music. She is an amazing violinist, but her pure energy always comes across. More than the energy of youth, she is one of those rare people who is infectious in her zest for whatever she's doing. The fact that she is also excellent musically is a welcome bonus. And, she appears to generously spread it around with her many collaborations. I applaud that.

Yes, I have both of her albums, and several of her singles. I look forward to her new music, and have enjoyed her newest video: "Shatter Me" which is also a collaboration with Lzzy Hale. In the video she is shown as a music box dancer within a snowglobe. It's wonderful, and if you haven't seen it yet, go check it out. I wish her the greatest success. She has already done several tours, and likely will be doing many more as she continues her musical career.

Watching her success highlights one of my favorite occupations, and that is to track people as they move from unknown to known. It's fascinating and moving, since we all long to become more than what we are now. It's programmed into us, and provides something to strive for. Life without goals is empty, so go out there and find something to aim for!

- M

Online gaming rpgs, like World of Warcraft and other similar ones

I've played computer games since personal computers first came out (yup, I'm ancient). Specifically, role playing games have held special fascination with me, mainly due to the idea of growing your character and watching them become powerful. Without any effort there is a story that attaches to your gameplay, and it's very easy to feel like you are the character you play. Naturally, some people go way too far and get lost, but for most it's just a wonderfully relaxing way to spend some time.

Replayability is a struggle for games like this. Back in the early days, the games were mainly a one off kind of thing where you follow a big story from start to finish and that's it. Sure, they many times had hundreds of hours of gameplay, though it wasn't something you wanted to do over and over. Modern online games do have stories they tell, but after you've done it then it's only about the gameplay and interaction with other people. I've often wondered if this philosophy will change, or if the famous online grind will go on forever?

The enticing thing about roleplaying is the creation of stories personal to yourself. I love getting into character and generating stories with the people I interact with. It's fun, and there's nothing quite like it in any sort of gaming. Yes, I play World of Warcraft, and I've played many others (starting with EverQuest) though not as much as in years gone by. Creating in an environment of fantasy or science fiction is an incredible experience, and I'd recommend it to anyone willing to give it a try. Just make sure you have fun--after all, a game is just a game and not a job. Get out there and enjoy yourself!

- M

Water, water, everywhere!

I love the sounds of water: rushing over rocks, languidly rolling past logs, being pushed aside by paddles (my favorite), and general liquidy goodness. I've never really pinned down why that is, but the noise is so unique, so instantly recognizable, that it puts the sounds of water into a category all its own. Either way, we couldn't live without it and it provides some pretty fantastic settings for stories.

One of my favorite films starring water is: "Lifeboat" by Alfred Hitchcock. It's about a bunch of people stuck on a lifeboat after their ship is sunk by a Nazi U-Boat. Naturally there's mystery, but the real tension is that there is only water all around them. And, since we can only see the top of the water, we don't know what's underneath them either. It's a wonderful movie, and I encourage any who haven't seen it to find it somewhere, because it's one of Hitchcock's best.

Water places limitations on a story, sets boundaries, and forces characters to come up with clever solutions to problems they otherwise wouldn't have. And, it's another thing we can all relate to. We know what it feels like, tastes like, and understand the paranoia of being trapped under it. But, I always come back to the sounds it makes. My wife loves to fall to sleep with the sounds of a rainstorm tickling her ears, while I could sit and listen to the sounds of a gurgling spring for hours and never notice the time go past. And, it tastes so very delicious!

- M

My wife, my hero, my best friend, all wrapped together in one perfect package

Happy Anniversary darling!

There are few things in life as wonderful as someone who listens without issuing prompt judgment on you. There are even fewer people who do so and love you for it. And then there is only one for whom all judgments pale in comparison. My wife is my hero. She started off as my truest friend of all time, then my deepest confidant, and finally my companion throughout life. She is the wisest person I have the pleasure of knowing, and is as humble as they come. Indeed, God broke the mold after creating her.

Relationships are the cement holding us together in our daily lives. Without them we become hermits with bad teeth, don't bathe, and prattle on about imaginary squirrels. I don't pretend to understand how these magical connections between us get started, but I am so very glad they do. More than that even, they are important to keep us balanced between humility and arrogance. Without true friends, I daresay we'd fall to one side before too long and be of no use to anyone.

My wife has every quality that I seek to learn, has taught me how to listen, and daily shows depth of character that puts me in complete and total awe of her. I treasure her advice, and quickly discovered that when she gives it I'd better pay attention. Despite her impressive nature, she is humble and unpretentious. She is a light to be treasured, followed, and watched. I am blessed to know her, and doubly blessed that she chose me from the vast pool of suitors out there.

Happy 22nd Anniversary, the shortest years of my life.

- M

Dragons, the mythical beasts that spur the imagination

There are few creatures in history as notorious as the dragon. Beasts of fable, myth, and probably some bits of truth, they are mostly bad guys in stories. Oddly, dragons are usually ascribed a lot of intelligence, normally breathe fire and are reptilian in nature. Not all of them fly, but they all are nasty and powerful.

Probably the best known dragons are Smaug (from Tolkien's The Hobbit), Thermothrax from the Disney movie Dragonslayer (it was a stop motion project, but is still incredibly realistic), St. George's dragon, Beowulf's dragon, and the popular Renaissance dragons with their four legs and two wings. It's amazing that seemingly every culture has a version of a dragon mythology. My guess is that there is some truth at the beginning of these stories, since it is so widespread, but whatever the origins they are stimulating creatures that never cease to amaze and terrify.

With modern computer imagery getting better all the time, these dragons are being visualized with greater realism. Smaug is absolutely amazing in the new movie, but so were the dragons from Reign of Fire. I can't wait to see the dragon in the new Maleficent movie, and the trailers are giving enticing peeks at her. Despite the ages old subject, dragons continue to spark the mind and I love to see them more and more.

- M

Basketball and the NBA. Local spirit!

I've never been a big sports fan really, though I understand most of the rules and can talk somewhat intelligently about it (if not the actual teams themselves). What has always mystified me was how intense some fans can become about their teams, a fact that still amazes me no matter how much I learn. Truly it's fantastic that so many people are excited about sports and are willing to put time and effort into their fandom. It's inspiring actually.

My wife is now a huge fan of the NBA team the Thunder, from Oklahoma. It's cute to see, and I'll stay up to watch the games with her and cheer them on. Of course, it's the playoffs right now and so the stakes are higher than they otherwise would be. It's neat, adorable, and instructive all at once. The stereotype is for the man to be into sports and not the woman. I'm happy we break the mold.

All that to say, I'm enjoying it. I've rooted for various teams over the years, but it's great having my family doing it all together. There's something new to talk about (well, so long as they don't lose and then the mood is a bit reluctant), and there's a focus on a singular thing that does bring people together. I suppose that's why fans cheer so much inside stadiums--because the atmosphere feeds on itself and blossoms and grows. Sports are fun, we can all play them, and it's neat to watch people play who are extraordinarily good.

- M

Redemption

We all desire redemption in some form--for our sins, for our past, for things we've done, for things we've allowed. And, if we get it, are we sure about it? This is a theme for tons of stories, throughout the ages. We seek it out constantly, and humble ourselves when we find it. It builds character, creates depth, but also shows yearnings and longings that are so heartfelt that the audience can scarcely miss them. Look at the greatest heroes in literature, and you'll find every one found redemption at some point during their career.

When I first began writing, I wrote many short stories that had some kind of redemption as a quick theme. But, it's not really that simple. There's a process, short or long, that comes first. It can take someone an entire story to move through the process, but it must be realized in a believable manner or it won't resonate with the audience. I think that's why some stories fail, or at least fall flat. We as an audience want to cheer them on, but fake efforts are really obvious. It needs to be believable.

Of course, these are just grandiose words written by a stranger on the internet. Anybody can philosophize. Still, my guess is we keep making up redemption stories because we want it for ourselves. I know that I want my heroes humble, not bragging about their achievements or puffing out their chests. Then again, not every hero is a warrior priest. My mind goes to Odysseus, who spent quite a lot of time mouthing off about himself and yet he's still a great hero (and I love the stories about him too). However it works, redemption is a worthy of stories.

- M

Cutting edge, and taking things to the extreme. Oh, and Superman still rocks!

Over the years I've realized that there are fewer and fewer times when I want to see the bleeding edges of entertainment. There's nothing wrong with it, but for the majority of my entertainment I want nice comfortable normality. I think solid stories can be told without digging into the razor edges of the of society. More even, I believe we need more grounded stories to teach and show how we should behave rather than how certain outside segments do.

I truly believe we need stories that demonstrate strong character, guide and teach, and particularly lift up examples of true heroes (and I don't mean superheroes, but heroes like firemen jumping into burning houses to save trapped children). Those stories are out there, and they make tons of money when the public finds them--which, incidentally underlines our desire for good material. At the same time, the edges should be shown; we can hardly expect to teach without demonstrating what is out there. But, I think the focus shouldn't be quite so harshly pointed at the edge but at the wholesome.

What brought this to mind was watching a recent movie, "Superman Returns" which was hated by critics but did moderately well in the box office. I actually really enjoyed it (though, it does require knowing some things that happened during the previous Superman I & II movies, particularly the part with Lois and Clark actually being married briefly, but I don't want to spoil anything). The movie has a very strong heroic setting, and Superman is an incredible hero. Sure, the writing is a bit melodramatic, but the story is quite good and well worth watching. But, what I appreciated most was the wholesomeness of the displays of honest families. There was true respect displayed. I found it refreshing.

- M