I am currently writing my second book. It’s totally different from my first, which was historical fiction. This story is set in the mid-1990s. The best way to describe it is to say it’s a Christmas fantasy. Writing this one is pure fun. I can also call it a fairy tale for adults. As with the first book, I’ve infused social justice, imagine that, in this fantasy.
The quote from Baldwin is said by the protagonist to his love interest. She needs a pep talk before she faces some pretty intimidating characters. Her fear can be traced to incidents that occurred in her childhood and she’s afraid history is about to repeat itself. What helps her face her fear is the hero’s reassurance. All the necessary resources to overcome her obstacles are within her grasp. However, she must first have faith in herself. This will enable her to recognize and seek those persons who have the ability to assist her.
The quote from Baldwin is a very powerful statement. How many times have I avoided pointing out something to a person because it was about a hard subject? In the aftermath of George Floyd’s death, a lot of us are having hard and uncomfortable discussions about race. Many times in the past, I’ve found myself holding back when someone’s view was different, or expressed a bias unintentionally that hurt me. I said nothing. I didn’t want to take the risk of making them uncomfortable or fearing the outcome of the conversation. Will we still be friends, afterward? Now, I feel if I don’t say something I am missing a moment to be better understood. It’s a teaching moment for both of us that was missed. Once we’ve both expressed our feelings and why we feel the way we do, most likely we’ll be closer. If we are true friends we should be able to express our true feelings. If I love you I have to make you conscious of the things you don’t see, so you can see them; and likewise, I’l like you to do the same for me.
