Interesting. I'm currenly editing (and editing and editing) a novel where the motive is left somewhat cloudy. She's a supernatural character who thinks humans are stupid, and wouldn't lower herself to explain fully ... I hope that works.
You are so right about the difference between the short story and the novel. I agree that you can get away with a lot in a short story, including leaving the justice hanging. I would never do that in a novel however.
I like a bit of a mixed ending (in books), the nasties get their due but there's no "rah-rah we won" for the good ones ... gray has more variations ....
These days, initial reports of a murderer's motivation almost always blame whatever political group or activity the "reporter" opposes. In Catch Me on a Blue Day, Twitter would be full of posts blaming leftists, MAGA, immigrants, transphobia, Palestinian sympathizers, Christian Nationalists, Obama, and Trump, because all acts of murder must be politically motivated.
Which mostly demonstrates that people can't : 1. follow a logical reasoning - 2. keep two conflicting ideas in their heads at the same time - 3. understand the lessons of history ... probably other things too.
Rampant tribalism. People like the comfort of belonging to a group, but enmity between groups has gotten out of hand. I blame the people whose views I oppose, of course 😄
Interesting. I'm currenly editing (and editing and editing) a novel where the motive is left somewhat cloudy. She's a supernatural character who thinks humans are stupid, and wouldn't lower herself to explain fully ... I hope that works.
I would expect a supernatural being to have a completely different set of motivations...
"It’s the only way they can hope to avoid the gas.” The gas chamber? Those iron doors like a submarine? Now there was a scary execution.
It was the fifties, more in your face ...
You are so right about the difference between the short story and the novel. I agree that you can get away with a lot in a short story, including leaving the justice hanging. I would never do that in a novel however.
I like a bit of a mixed ending (in books), the nasties get their due but there's no "rah-rah we won" for the good ones ... gray has more variations ....
These days, initial reports of a murderer's motivation almost always blame whatever political group or activity the "reporter" opposes. In Catch Me on a Blue Day, Twitter would be full of posts blaming leftists, MAGA, immigrants, transphobia, Palestinian sympathizers, Christian Nationalists, Obama, and Trump, because all acts of murder must be politically motivated.
Which mostly demonstrates that people can't : 1. follow a logical reasoning - 2. keep two conflicting ideas in their heads at the same time - 3. understand the lessons of history ... probably other things too.
Rampant tribalism. People like the comfort of belonging to a group, but enmity between groups has gotten out of hand. I blame the people whose views I oppose, of course 😄
And to prove how even a mind I have, I blame both.
Right on!
Always insightful and interesting. Great cover on the new book!
James Patrick Focarile
Thank you, JP! Cool reading last night!
It was fun. Great to see u live and in person!
Hey, same there!