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
Sierra
asked
Isaac Marion:
Hello, I was curious if you were going to write other stories as well, besides for sentient zombies? I loved your writing style of Warm Bodies, but the topic was not something I am personally interested in. I would love to read more from you, your style is unlike any others I have found.
Leo
asked
Isaac Marion:
Hello! I actually just want to know if there are hardcover versions of "Warm bodies" and "The New Hunger" (or a hardcover of the "Warm Bodies+ New Hunger" one). I preordered "The Living" and I know "The Burning World" has a hardcover version too (speaking of which, is there an expected date for it to be back in stock? Amazon has it but I'd rather buy from you :) ), and I wanted my shelf to look 'even' if possible :)
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