Authors and Their Books: Cause and Effect

[I.]

Excerpt from "The Strength in Knowing"
Chapter on Cause and Effect

What, in the scope of reality, truly causes anything? What appears to be a cause of an event in most instances is not the sole cause, but it is, rather, the conceptual cause. Paradoxically in the true reality, there is no cause and effect and no duality. Nothing causes anything else; everything is an expression of its own essence and is self-existent. However, life as we know it is not the true reality but is rather a reality based on ego, duality, cause, and effect, and it is influenced by our perception and ego.

[Ian]

I am a strong believer in cause and effect, and I believe that sticking to such beliefs makes plots stronger. At least that is the rule I apply to my writing. An example:

You are sodden. Why? You have emerged from the swimming pool in which you were submerged while fully dressed. Why? You were standing by a swimming pool, suddenly you found yourself propelled into it. Why? Jones pushed you. Why? You had done something to annoy Jones. Keep this up and before long you have a plot!