Isaac Marion
All of them. If I couldn't identify with them, I couldn't write them. I don't know that I've ever heard of a person, no matter how different from me--no matter how "evil"--who I couldn't relate to on some level. I think I've had just about every possible thought at some point; what delineates me from everyone else is which of those thoughts I feed and allow to grow.
I think morally neutral, wide-open empathy is important for writers, because if you refuse to give honest consideration to the ideas of people you disagree with--if you refuse to admit their thoughts exist in you somewhere--you won't be able to write them convincingly. It'll be like copying phrases from a language you don't understand. You'll be limited to stock characters because you can't create new ones.
I'm actually kind of surprised this ability of mental/moral mimicry doesn't lead more writers into lives of crime. Where exactly is the line between understanding Hitler and agreeing with him?
I think morally neutral, wide-open empathy is important for writers, because if you refuse to give honest consideration to the ideas of people you disagree with--if you refuse to admit their thoughts exist in you somewhere--you won't be able to write them convincingly. It'll be like copying phrases from a language you don't understand. You'll be limited to stock characters because you can't create new ones.
I'm actually kind of surprised this ability of mental/moral mimicry doesn't lead more writers into lives of crime. Where exactly is the line between understanding Hitler and agreeing with him?
More Answered Questions
Sara St. Kelley
asked
Isaac Marion:
Hey Isaac! I to start by telling you just how much I enjoyed The Burning World (a lot; I enjoyed it a lot) and that I'm so excited to read The Living. You are rad. Where did you come up with the title The Burning World? I was reading your old blog and I was struck when I was reminded it's called Burning Building. Does the blog title have anything to do with the book title? Or do you just like the word "burning"?
weirdkim
asked
Isaac Marion:
Greetings Sir! I would just like to say that I am a huge fan of yours ever since I read Warm Bodies three years ago. It's one of my favorites and I really like how unusual it is. (in a good way) :) I just found out now that you're writing a sequel to Warm Bodies, the second book and the prequel. My question is, is it already published as a book? Cause I would love to buy it if it is. Thank you.
About Goodreads Q&A
Ask and answer questions about books!
You can pose questions to the Goodreads community with Reader Q&A, or ask your favorite author a question with Ask the Author.
See Featured Authors Answering Questions
Learn more