Natural Goodness
Recently, I read a quote that resonated with me: Harmony manifests itself as a natural goodness.
I love reading fiction where everyone is nice to each other, thoughtful, respectful and understanding. Patient and kind. And when a mistake is made, they apologize and do their best to make amends. In the towns where these characters live, most everyone is on their best behavior. Sure, there are a few outliers, but they’re outnumbered 10-1. Is there conflict? Of course there is, but through persistence, teamwork, and tenacity, conflict is overcome. Or accepted. Moving on from unpleasantries is the norm.
Does this sound kind of sappy? If so, I really like sappy. I enjoy books like the Christmas Hope series by Donna VanLiere, an author I discovered after watching a Hallmark movie based on one of her books. The movie was wonderfully uplifting, but left me wanting more.
I read The Christmas Town in less than a day! That doesn’t happen too often for me as I spend most of my time on my own writing, and make time to read in between. It can take me a while to finish a book. Then I discovered this story was part of a series. You can guess what happened after that. My mother is now hooked on the series, as well.
I find inspiring, feel-good, happy-ending books a must these days when kind words seem to be hiding under rocks. Boulders even. I’d rather spend time on a story that gives me a lift over one that drags me down.
In my mystery series, heroine Corrie Locke has evolved from an immature young woman used to doing things her way, without any help or much consideration for others, to a more thoughtful, somewhat responsible heroine who takes others into consideration before taking action. As the series progresses, she becomes a better version of her earlier, bratty persona. Bickering with her mom, her friends, and sidekicks has toned down as she’s learned to listen to what they have to say. Maybe my main character didn’t start out by being nice, thoughtful and respectful, but she is getting there.