Why Write Happy

As I wind this whole crazy thing down, the Wilfair series, I'm getting pretty dang reflective on the experience and how much I've enjoyed it.

There are a couple of things I might go back and tweak -- a handful of sentences in "Wilfair," a particular word in "Redwoodian" -- oh, and I'd put Monty Overbove in a snug little ski sweater, too, which I meant to do.

Dang it. Maybe the upcoming director's cut? :)

But the thing I'm gladdest about -- not sure if "proudest" is the right word -- is that the books are happy ones, generally. Not that there isn't some shadow and sadness and parental things to solve, and life matters to consider, too, but I wanted the Wilfair world to radiate a general glow, an upward motion, unfettered happiness and extravagant kindness.

I wanted it to serve as a retreat for readers when life gets to be a little too much.

And life does get to be a little too much, right? Often. For everyone. That's the nature of reality. Monty makes a couple of Monty-esque speeches on the relentlessness of reality in "Fairwil" and I tend to agree with him.

That isn't to say I don't like sad or intense or highly dramatic works. I absolutely do. But when we make our stands in this world, in all of the little niches we occupy, it is best to stand for the qualities and aspirations we love best.

So I did.

cr: Kristina Alexanderson


do dah said...

Mission accomplished. Pretty sure i've told you before that Wilfair is one of my happy places, but if I haven't? It is.

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