be sure to check out Joan's latest on her website:

be sure to check out Joan's latest on her website: http://www.joanhilty.net/ (usually she updates her blog every Sunday evening but she can and will surprise you) **Special Note: all of Joan's archives are now up--almost ten years of 'bitter girl.' As Joan says, go wild!**

Wednesday, April 7, 2010

The Cause of Literature

Literature is currently locked in a titanic battle with film for the hearts and minds of the reading and viewing public and must be saved. Why? Because when all is said and done, there are some things you can do in a book that you can't do in a movie. Yes--the converse is also true, but when you weigh the spectacular images from any film against characterization in fiction, they are as dust would be in the balance. And yes, it is easier to watch a movie than to read a book, but when has humanity ever advanced its cause by taking the easy way out?
If literature is to be saved, I believe it will be from guerrilla activity, rather than business as usual. Castro saw the future and he embraced it; that's how he beat Batista. If people want to live in the past as opposed to the future, they are part of the problem rather than the solution; again, if you're not with us, you're against us. I personally prefer the future, as scary as it is. Realism is a trap, folks--pure and simple, and the world doesn't need any more cozy mysteries or Sherlock Holmes/Agatha Christie ripoffs/parodies. This is what I was taught and this is what I know in my heart of hearts.
Down at the book fair, I saw many people that either had been published or needed to be, for all the wrong reasons--the money, the fame, the prestige, the adoration of the masses, everyone hanging on your every word and being on television. The only worthwhile reason for wanting to become published is that other people might enjoy your work as much as you do. That's why I've chosen to put my work up here--for anyone who wants to see it. Because in the final analysis, as much as I may want it, I simply don't need it. And I refuse to beg, because begging is degrading and benefits only the weak.
Make no mistake--the battle is joined. Young people are the vanguard; they must be converted for us to win. But our cause is just and our goals are noble; God will fight on our side. Just remember the caveat to that--God helps those that help themselves.

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