To Publish or Not
400 pages of young adult
fiction covering one couple’s battle against destruction of American society in
the Trump era. The first third draws heavily on an earlier novel which events
overtook. The remainder carries on with John and Emma’s struggle against
administration incited violence they suffer.
I’m rather proud of the book,
think it has a lasting value as a reflection of these times, and could influence
votes and voting volume in 2020. Of course, influence would only come with
exposure and, based on the history of previous books, only one or two votes
might be impacted. Still, in the right hands it could spark interest.
Unfortunately, in the wrong
hands, it could spark copycat violence. To the point where I’m afraid to
release it. Until recently, the risk seemed minimal, especially given my lack
of marketing interest. But lately, rabid cult followers feel more enabled by
Trump, more willing to chance being shot in exchange, more willing to wound and
kill innocent strangers. They are today’s version of Hitler’s brown shirts.
I ask myself, do I want to expose my wife, myself and our property in this environment? Is there really any risk given the likely volume of sales? And if it does get exposure, does its potential influence make the risk worthwhile? Sadly, I’m leaning toward sitting on it. In today’s internet search world, publishing anonymously doesn’t appear to be an alternative. Using proof copies to solicit second opinions seems the only alternative at present. As the orange moron would say, SAD.
