State of Fear

By Mark W. Danielson

Right now, the South is experiencing record floods. Memphis is currently battling its problem with dignity and determination. Volunteers are tirelessly working to sandbag existing levees and create new ones. But as the water recedes in Memphis, the rising water will hit Vicksburg and every city along the Mississippi until it spills into the Gulf of Mexico. I have witnessed the flooding first-hand on my flights in and out of Memphis. In many areas, it is difficult to make out the river itself. In the spirit of Spock’s “The needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few”, The Army Corps of Engineers blew holes in levees upstream to minimize the damage downstream. It appears it was the right decision, but for those living in the flood plain, the Army’s decision must have been horrendous. The media reports that this flood may wipe out the South’s fertile soil for years. Thus I introduce you to our current State of Fear. As Michael Crichton wrote in his book of the same title, there will always be a state of fear. Give it a week and the media will spread new fear and the South will be once again be forgotten.

No doubt this flood will impact the farmers’ ability to plant, but the season is early. Time will tell whether there can be a planting this year. As for the soil being ruined, I can only think of how the annual Nile River floods brought essential nutrients until it was dammed. Nowadays, these nutrients must be provided by man. Unless the Mississippi is bringing contamination along with its nutrients, the soil may have long term benefits from this flood.

Blaming everything on Global Warming inspired Crichton to write State of Fear. Those who have read it know it is the best non-fiction fiction book that’s ever been printed. For those who haven’t read it, it is probably worth your time. The world is in a constant state of physical change. People are Earth’s only inhabitants that are in a constant state of fear.

I have touched on this subject before and reiterate that fear is what mystery is all about. Fear of what will come next. Fear it might happen to you. The media is successful in presenting images that capitalize on this just as mystery authors capitalize on instilling fear in its readers. Sometimes fear is good, but it’s best to keep it in perspective. In the case of the floods, accept the fact that this major climatic event is no different from the devastating 1927 flood. On the positive side, authors like John Grisham may find this flood inspiring for a new mystery.

Creating Civilized Characters

By Mark W. Danielson

Civilized is such an interesting word. It describes many things, but rarely does it describe wildlife. My Denver neighborhood is home to hawks, eagles, foxes, and coyotes because of its abundance of prairie dogs. Similarly, deer roaming Boulder neighborhoods attract cougars, New York City rats attract birds of prey, and sometimes, Florida pets attract alligators. I’ve seen owls nesting inside a Lowe’s store, bald eagles nest in a tree surrounded by busy streets, and mallard ducklings paddle in hotel fountains. Wherever you look, you will see wildlife coexisting with us. So, why is it so hard for us civilized humans to get along with each other?

Not long ago, the Memphis Zoo had a “free day”. With perfect weather, twenty-five thousand people showed up to take advantage of this special event. Kids held balloons and ate candy, and then skirmishes broke out. Rival gang members had sent text messages to each other to meet there, and when the gunshots rang out, the police were called, and the zoo was evacuated, ruining the day. Amazingly, no one was killed.

The premeditated actions of a few thugs were vileness. Everyone who saw this story felt nothing but contempt for those responsible. Taking a fight to a place of joy filled with young children goes beyond explanation. These people had no sense of civility.

By definition, civilized means having a highly developed society and culture. It infers refinement in taste and manners. It shows evidence of moral and intellectual advancement; humane, ethical, and reasonable behavior. Civilized people are cultured, polite. But this photo also shows that animals can lovingly interact with other species. This particular polar bear returned every day for a week to hug this chained sled dog. Wildlife kill for food or protection; not for sport. This is a key point when developing evil characters.

My reason for comparing animals to people is to ensure authors develop characters that readers will care about. Thugs who kill without explanation have no place in mystery novels. We all know such people exist, but that doesn’t mean we want to read about them. If I can’t empathize with a story’s characters, I will close the book and toss it. Conversely, if I have a sense that the character’s past led him or her to commit dreadful acts, then I’m far more inclined to read on.
There is a fine line between civilized and wild, just as there is between murderer and tortured victims. We have seen plenty of belittled people who have lashed out, in which case they were both murderers and tortured victims. Every writer has the opportunity to create complex characters. Have fun with them, and most importantly, make us care.