Guest Post - Steven Gillis

Hey All:

    Steve Gillis here.  I've been invited to blog away, to rant and riff and indulge myself today on Syntax of Things, and I want to thank Jeff for this opportunity.  I am well pleased the Syntax of Things dug my novel, Temporary People, (Black Lawrence Press, April 2008) and figured a good place to start the day would be with a brief bit about the book.
    I got the idea for TP around the time George W. Bush was elected president.  In short, I wondered with a good deal of shock how the hell this happened.  (And not once but twice!)  How did a moron become the leader of the free world?  It's an astonishing development and one which lead me from there to ask the question:  What can we do about it?  This is the fundamental question being raised in TP.  What can any one of us do to when we find ourselves under an oppressive government, one that is intent on taking away our liberties, distorting reality and messing with our lives.  What if the called for response clashes with our personal philosophies?  I am by nature a pacifist - though those who have argued with me might disagree.  I am against the war, against violence.  Yet, what if the only way to get rid of a despot was to put a bullet in his brain pan?  Is it ok?  Is it indeed the intelligent decision or must one maintain their personal convictions in the face of adversity?
    Temporary People has been described as:  "A political fable of the first order, sharp and satirical, a hilariously insightful romp."  I hope this is true.  My intent when writing the book was to examine every option from all sides, the pros and cons of passive resistance, bloody coups and rebellions and collective indifference.  The story - I hope - works well in subscribing to what Swift said about relying on humor and a hint of satire when addressing a serious issue.  In the end, I reach no easy conclusions.  Hell, I'm not so smug as to assume it is in my purview to reach any conclusions at all.  I am, as a writer, an observer.  The only truth I know is that, at least for me, ultimately, all we can do is follow our hearts.   What else is there?

Comments

[John]

Steve-

Sounds like a compelling book with a great plot. When I read your post here, I went out and read a few of the reviews of Temporary People. Sounds very good. I'm going to get my hands on a copy.

This is actually the first I've known of the book or of Black Lawrence Press. Gotta love the internet for all the connections. Thanks for sharing, Steve.

[Steven Gillis]

Thanks a lot, John. Means a great deal to me. This shows the power of the lit blogs to get the word out. So many great books out there. Best - Steve