“Four score and seven
years ago…”
November 19th marks the 150th year
anniversary of Lincoln’s address at Gettysburg. America was, at that point, at
about the midpoint of the war, which was waged from April 1861 to April 1865. This
destructive war, which claimed an estimated 750,000 deaths, also solidified our
country’s principles of freedom and equality for all.
Lincoln’s Eulogy at Gettysburg was intended to frame the horrible
deaths being suffered, not just at Gettysburg, but across all of the
battlefields, in terms of the cause the soldiers were dying for. But no matter
how much Lincoln or anyone might wish it different, revolution is messy. And,
even when a war has been ‘won’, people do not somehow magically agree with the
other side’s views. In fact, at Gettysburg itself, only a few years after the
war, a distinct cemetery was created for black Civil War veterans because of
segregation policies still in effect (more on Gettysburg here).
As we look toward December the Genre-istas will be
spotlighting some amazing guests who will discuss the changes occurring within
the publishing arena. And, while not nearly as weighty as the Civil War, these
changes do form a messy revolution. Do not expect clean lines and simple
solutions. Do not look for clear winners and losers. Do not hope to avoid
casualties. These are all a part of the experience of great change.
If you look to the right of this blog post you will see the
guests who will help us understand this revolution. And while I am looking
forward to hearing their perspectives, as we recognize that the best fictional
characters have great depth, with that comes complexity and disagreement. The
methods for waging this revolution, the players involved, the sacrifices being
made: all of these can be debated and discussed.
So come back in December and add your two cents. A war of
words, whereby we civilly discuss the problems and reach agreement, has far few
casualties than a physical revolution.
Cheers,
Deanne
www.deannewilsted.comDeanne
Journeys Inspired by Love
