This hospitaler, a stand in for both Lord Knight Corann and for Lord Knight Elendir, stands as the perfect medieval knight.
This afternoon I gave across one of the most poignant columns on writing and the writing process I’ve seen in a rather long time. The subject: literary cliches.
http://litreactor.com/columns/top-10-storytelling-cliches-that-need-to-disappear-forever
It is very hard to disagree with Mr. Hart here; he hit a lot of the bigger cliches right on the head — and shown us why knocking someone unconscious is a REALLY BAD IDEA to put in a story.
Avoiding cliches is difficult. Write in an archetypal character — like Lord Knight Corann from The Great Succession Crisis — and you run the risk of such a character being called cliche.
One matter I do have a bit of disagreement on was his talk about bad parenting. True, people do over use that device, but his description here really comes off to me, as someone who endured a violent childhood, as rather — dismissive.
In my humble opinion, Mr. Hart does not appear to really understand the psychology of abuse nor how it provides a genuine obstacle to success — not insurmountable — I am living proof of that — but an obstacle nonetheless, something people must work at to overcome.
Domestic violence is not something to talk about lightly, as if it is no big deal. Rather, it is a serious matter that must be addressed by our society through prevention (as Sir Patrick Stewart of Star Trek fame talks about) first and foremost.
Now should a challenging childhood really be the main motivator for villainy? Absolutely not — yes, that is overdone. But it should also never be described as if it is no big deal.
We as writers possess a social and moral responsibility. Ours is the greatest power for social change.
The cliche about the pen and the sword is genuinely true. As strong as physical might may appear, it is the power of ideas and words, filtered through the talents of writers, journalists, and authors, that changes our world most.
Endeavor always to make the world as better place through your pen and your works — published and otherwise.
Laurel A. Rockefeller 