Saturday, November 10, 2012

Adversity


 

Today, with help from Kien, Scythe/Pet, and Ela, (in an imagined scene from PROPHET, courtesy of awesome artist, Katharin Fiscaletti) we are contemplating adversity.

We’ve already discussed villains and antiheroes—those characters who drive the plot and add tension by keeping our heroes and readers in suspense.  But what about pure, simple adversity--the trials and travails that force us out of our comfort zones?

What is adversity’s role in our stories and our lives?

From a literary perspective, adversity provides the means to explore our protagonist’s views of life, and tests his or her reactions to life’s slingstones of misfortune.

Adversity, be it spiritual testing, physical ordeals that wear upon us over time, or personal battles with emotions, force us to become stronger, better people (or creatures, as in Pet’s case) and hopefully compel us to become fascinating characters who delight others.

What do we cherish as we journey through life? What makes us whole spiritually? What gives us strength?

True adversity, dear readers, compels us to choose our values. Knowing this, what will Kien decide?

Is love worth destroyer-style pain?

7 comments:

chappydebbie said...

Great picture. I only read an except from The Prophet (first chapter)so I can't say that the picture fits the book. It does, however, make me want to read it more. Definitely on my 'to get one day' list!!!!! Without adversity, there is no story. Well, there's a story, but a boring story. :)

RJLarsonbooks said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
RJLarsonbooks said...

Hey, Chaplain Debbie~~welcome!
Katharin drew this picture to fit the emotional state of book 1, so readers won't find this exact scene anywhere. However, it reflects the characters' attitudes exactly.

I'm so glad you stopped by! Speaking of by, btw, Bethany House posted the first THRREEE chapters here YAY!:
http://tinyurl.com/8hchhrb

Unknown said...

and how will we respond to adversity when it comes? :) So often it seems to me, that not only do we grow in adversity, but our character is revealed at those times. Still, it's hard to embrace it.

I must say, the sketch does capture Kien, Ela, and Pet(Scythe)!

RJLarsonbooks said...

Robin, Yay! Thanks for popping in! On behalf of Katharin, my artist, thanks!!! I just love Kien and Pet's staring contest!!!

I've told others I'm enough of a character--I need no more. Somehow, I don't think my character-enriching experiences are done.... :D

Anonymous said...

Love this illustration of Pet. :)

RJLarsonbooks said...

Hi, Natasha!!!!
Yes, isn't this illustration amazing?!<3

I think Katharin had fun with this one. :D

Blessings, busy Lady!!