There are so many reasons why people write and the reasons are as varied as the noses on each face. With that being said, there are common denominators: the author has a message to share, a story to tell, a point to make, a yearning to entertain.
If we follow the most popular genres at the moment: paranormal, romance, murder/mysteries, and memoirs, it begs me to wonder out loud where do authors find real heroes to write about?
It used to be a family could look up to professional athletes, actors/singers/artists, and politicians, and point with pride at what they'd accomplished. They were the emissaries from small town America, the embodiment of making it against all odds. Now, because of an entitlement mindset, these same "heroes" would rather sue than admit their failings (and feet of clay) which leaves us weeding through the cheats, and swindlers, and murderers, to explain to our kids, "Why the fall from grace?" These may be the most teachable moments of all but my question to authors still remains . . . where do we find real heroes to write about? Everyday heroes for our children to emulate?
According to Webster's Collegiate Dictionary: acts of heroism are accomplished by those who show extreme self-sacrificing courage in fulfilling a high purpose or attaining a noble end. Maybe we need to reflect on the deeds of the heroes first, then search for the common in the life of the hero with which our young can identify. There are excellent fantasy heroes (such as those in the Hunger Games or The Justice League) but where are the real life, flesh and blood, "just like me" heroes?
#Brad_Meltzer, Author and Comic Book Writer brought the answer in his new series of children's books Ordinary People Save the World. The first two books in the series, "#Amelia_Earhart" and "#Abraham_Lincoln" became available this week; there are more to come, including "Rosa Parks."
His premise is to instill in the young reader that even though these people are famous, now, they're still ordinary people. He relates stories of their childhoods when they took a stand or did something brave way before they became famous. Young readers can dream and realize that these famous people are just like you and me. We can all wear a cloak of bravery and save the world. Yay, Brad . . . you are on to something!
You'll find more about Brad Meltzer and his books on www.FaceBook.com or at www.BradMeltzer.com
Jo Ann V. Glim is a 40 veteran of freelance writing and author of the book BEGOTTEN: With Love
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