[Untitled]

Date

2014-01

Journal Title

Journal ISSN

Volume Title

Publisher

MFA in Creative Writing, The University of Tampa

Abstract

This story examines the life of a man who, because of events that occurred in his life, not only questions the validity of hell, but decides to make a career of advocating a belief against it. The theme is revealed when he is pushed to substantiate his belief and realizes there is no authority, there is no one proven truth, and that belief is individual and can’t be considered wrong, only different. This theme is replicated is each chapter as conflicts arise that have no one correct solution, yet the protagonist fails to recognize this pattern. The techniques that I worked to hone in my story include distance, remaining in scene, and character development that doesn’t interrupt the story’s progression. I kept very close to my protagonist, always narrated from his point of view and perspective, which changed as he matured and experienced incidents and circumstances that tried his basic beliefs. The story moved from scene to scene rather than leaning on summary and exposition to bring the reader up to speed. Even explanations are stingy, only written within the scene as a scant reason for a character’s behavior or attitude. The protagonist’s character was also built as the story moved—in fact, the characters’ motivations produced movement and therein the story existed. Momentum was not stopped for description. Instead, reactions to situations and choices in conflict exhibited character.

Description

Keywords

Hell, Belief, Novel

Citation

DOI

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