Re: the Election – Where Have I Heard This Story Before?

In the past two days, friends and family have taken to social media to express their opinions/experiences regarding Trump’s win. Since I’m a Marylander transplanted into San Francisco, it’s no surprise my social circle is blue (bad pun). What has surprised me, however, is the eloquence, power, and depth of these reactions.

For the first time, my loved ones – who are experts at posting cute kid updates, funny memes, and the occasional zinger -- are facing potent political adversity. They don’t know what to say to their kids. They don’t know what to say to their co-workers. And they sure as hell don’t know what the future holds.

I’m with them 100%, yet there’s a small consolation lurking in the back of my head: my historical fiction novel.

Without spoiling anything, here’s my story’s elevator pitch:

Amidst the chaos of the Norman Conquest, a monastic novice named Aidan finds himself as the unlikely protector of his fallen king’s last confession. Armed with nothing save his wit and faith, Aidan must save this treasure while facing a God who’s abandoned him, a bishop who wants him dead, and a woman he desperately loves but can never have. In this quest for safety, Aidan must overcome his worst fears to give hope not only to his future, but to England’s future as well.

At first, there doesn’t seem to be much similarity between my story and what happened on Tuesday. But a closer look finds some crazy parallels between this election and the Norman Conquest:

·      An incumbent regime headed by a political “insider.”

·      An aggressive “outsider” who’s willing to break any rule to seize control.

·      A propaganda story that gives the outsider the moral high ground. (This fist-shake is for you, Comey!)

·      A long, torturous build-up to the final battle.

·      The insider’s shocking, unexpected defeat.

·      A three-month progression from victory to coronation, where the country gets ample time to freak out.

·      The outsider’s takeover results in decades of internal strife, subjugation, and misery. (Okay, this one’s not a parallel…yet!)

In writing Aidan’s story, I had to put myself in a situation where my future was in question, my beliefs were in danger, and the law was set against me. It was a dark – albeit thrilling – exercise.

Now, Donald Trump may be a misogynist, a two-buck showman, and the world’s biggest hypocrite, but even I have to admit he’s not William the Conqueror. That being said, his platform of fear-mongering has:

·      Put the future of my family and friends who work in government in question.

·      Endangered the future of many families I know who are interracial or inter-faith.

·      Made my friends and family wonder what kind of life is in store for their children.

On a macro level, they are experiencing what Aidan felt after Oct. 14, 1066. Their Facebook posts show the intelligence, empathy, and consideration for others I tried to instill into my main character.

On one hand, this isn’t surprising; friends and family influence our job performance in a myriad of ways. On the other hand, it makes me glow with pride. I’ve created a main character who reflects the best parts of the people around me. It’s a pretty neat accomplishment.

In return, I get to offer a happy ending, which is a powerful reminder of what good, smart people can do when faced with adversity. No one knows this ending; it’ll be revealed at the end of Book 3. For now, all I can say is, “Watch out Trump fans…I mean Normans!”