Review: A Fiction Writer's Guide to Peace by Gabriel Ertsgaard

This book may surprise you. It isn't saying characters can't fight. It expands what it can mean to fight. Ertsgaard makes strong arguments for incorporating nonviolence into characters and story, using examples from across media. Discussion of character arcs, plots and world-building, with exercise throughout to test the ideas yourself. I found it an excellent source of ideas on subverting reader expectations. Mentioned: A Writer's Guide to Peace: https://amzn.to/4017irz Nonviolence and the Hero's Duel: https://www.sfwa.org/2021/06/29/nonviolence-and-the-heros-duel/ Solarpunk and Peace Poetics: https://www.peacejusticestudies.org/chronicle/solarpunk-and-peace-poetics/ Carl's Doomsday Scenario by Matt Dinniman: https://amzn.to/4akQS2k The Weight of Light: A Collection of Solar Punk Futures: https://csi.asu.edu/books/weight/ Fantasy Scroll Magazine: https://iulianionescu.com/fantasy-scroll-magazine/ __ Follow me on Amazon: https://amzn.to/4nfbmxK This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit authorjamesaaron.substack.com