Better Fiction: The Blog

For the moment, I'm going to believe there are three types of people in the world: Benjamin Franklins, John Adamses, and everyone else.

The John Adamses of this world find fault in everyone but themselves. Arguments are seen as won by being hard, blunt, and brutal. The Benjamin Franklins find common ground and ask Socratic questions to guide their audience to finding the right solution. Franklins are willing to compromise. Adamses are not.

Everyone else falls somewhere in between.

People who share the opinions of a John Adams admire him. People are often not sure where a Franklin stands. John Adamses often insult the opposition to the point that no one will listen to them, other than those who already share their beliefs. People listen to a Franklin and are often swayed by them.

Are you more a Franklin or an Adams?

Which would you more likely vote for?

These are not trite questions. I think there is much value in the Franklin approach, but in looking for a man to represent me, a Franklin might raise too many doubts. The Adams would ruin much with his bluntness, but I would know where he stands.

It's as if I want a man to speak to me as an Adams and to the world as a Franklin.

How about when it comes to witnessing? Should we be more the Adams or the Franklin?

I have seen many Adams insult the world in the name of Christ, thinking they do God a favor by bluntly standing up for His name. I am more a Franklin, and I think God can take care of Himself. He did not send me to protect His honor. He sent me to join in His work of wooing others to Himself.

Which leaves me with the idea of a Teddy Roosevelt witnessing style: speak softly and carry a big cross.

Blessed are the peacemakers.

Wade Ogletree

March sees the beginning of a third blog here at Better Fiction. There is this one, the serialized novel by Melinda Reynolds, and now something I simply call my "Christian Blog". Simply put, it will be devoted to my thoughts and studies on the Christian faith and life.

Check it out when you have the time.

Christian Blog

Wade Ogletree

Ok, yes, the last post was a bit melodramatic, and it left some people thinking was quitting writing. That was not the point.

I'm changing focus, that's all.

Wade

Today is Better Fiction's fourth anniversary. By internet standards, we've been around for a while, and I couldn't be more thrilled. Thanks everyone!

A brief history: In the fall of 2004, I experienced a rebirth as a short-story writer. I had just finished a rather rotten attempt at a novel, but I did at least finish the project. I had another project in the works, but I needed a break from the long, drawn-out process of writing novels. I had written shorts stories before, but never really liked the outcome. The closest I'd come was a sci-fi radio play, "The Body Shop", that was produced by USC radio around 1990. I got lucky with that project, and in the fall of 2004, I started getting lucky again.

The writing began to click. Still, I needed help and feedback. I joined a critique group that seemed to have entered into a dormant period and made it my purpose to help pump life back into it. I found the feedback, though imperfect for we are all imperfect people, to be valuable, and I was especially thrilled at the positive response to my own critiques. Within a month, the forum began to feel like my online community.

Then on the first of January, 2005, I returned to the forum to find it shut down. The writing site that sponsored it had decided to abruptly change direction, and I was left virtually homeless. Having put so much into that community, I decided that instead of joining another, I would try starting my own. Better Fiction began January 4th, 2005.

Thank you for the last four years. Thank you for your input and your hard work. Thank you for your support and friendship.

Happy Anniversary, Better Fiction. May there be many more to come.

Wade Ogletree

The book review season begins! I received three books for review yesterday and hope to begin posting my thoughts as soon as possible.

Look forward to Hardwired Humanity by Sarah Wagner, and Fiction and Drawers and Booths by ARA 13.

As for today, I'm off to a job interview. Keep me in your prayers!

Wade Ogletree