I tell stories as a kind gesture in a cruel time. I’m overwhelmed by the madness of current events. This is a different time, an angrier time. A time of wrath, madness, a world where people stupid themselves to death. Innocence and humanity washed away in an inexorable tide of heartlessness.
I see it all around me. The people with shy smiles, grateful for every nice thing anyone does for them. I recognize those bright-eyed kids, still believing everything will eventually be okay. It kills me to watch those wavering showers of hope fade. It kills me to watch those kids fall victim to our cruel time, realizing the world hates them and so they start hating it back. I write stories as a kind gesture to them.
I know what my therapist will say about all this. He says I shouldn’t make someone else’s life about me. He’ll say it’s a throwback to me being a damaged kid, and wishing that someone saved me. He’s right, of course. Part of my healing journey is to say ‘I don’t want anyone to go through what I experienced.’ My job is to rise above their cruelty. Force myself to not turn away. Reach out, be the change I want to see in the world. So, I tell stories as a kind gesture in a cruel time.
I can’t save the world. We can’t save everyone. We can’t fix everyone. Even if the light inside of you is small, let it shine! It will help others find you in the dark. Science fiction is a weapon in the war against our dystopian reality. Creating art hones the edge of the blade cutting away hate, greed, and intolerance. Those living, learning skills applied to your art start to reflect back on you. Creating art is creating yourself. So I tell stories as a kind gesture in a cruel time.
If we can find the answers, we can make the bad things stop. Then I could sleep. I could feel like it was worth it. Until then, this is the best option for me. So I tell stories as a kind gesture in a cruel time. I write for myself, and for people like me. If you’re reading this, you’re probably looking for people like you, too. Welcome home.
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