Hi all! Please help me welcome Paula Benson to Killer Hobbies today. Politics as a hobby? Tell us more, Paula!
Man is by nature a
political animal. -- Aristotle
Although not usually thought of as a hobby, politics does
capture people’s attention and fuel their imaginations. Political figures and
their families become media sensations and fashion icons. Comedians’ routines
and political cartoons parody politicians’ actions. Political polls are like
sports statistics. Doris Kerns Goodwin, noted presidential historian, is
universally praised for her work. Her website showcases a Christian Science
Monitor quote indicating her popularity: “At 70, let's hope (Ms. Goodwin) has at least a couple more biographies
in mind.”
Politics is perhaps the only profession for
which no preparation is thought necessary. -- Robert Louis Stevenson
What is it about politics that seems to fascinate people? Growing
up, I thought of politics as something adults watched on TV. It had too much
rhetoric and too little action to keep my youthful attention. Politicians and
political commentators expressed their opinions, which often resulted in
arguments without resolution.
Politics is war
without bloodshed while war is politics with bloodshed. -- Mao Tse-Tung
Then, in my first full time job, I shared an office with a
co-worker who had a passion for state and national politics. He kept up with
the issues and personalities, was an astute observer, listened carefully to
what everyone had to say, and believed very strongly in a phase associated with
the 55th Speaker of the United States House of Representatives, Thomas Phillip
“Tip” O’Neill, Jr., (D. Mass.) that “all politics is local.”
In other words, constituents focus on the matters that
affect them personally and their representatives need to be tuned in to what
voters care about in order to serve them most effectively and remain in office.
My co-worker taught me that politics are not just about debate or conflict, but
evolve from matters that affect quality of life and deeply felt emotions.
Politics is supposed
to be the second oldest profession. I have come to realize that it bears a very
close resemblance to the first. -- Ronald Reagan
Davis Baldacci, Tom Clancy, Vince Flynn, Brad Meltzer, and
Brad Thor have made careers writing fictional views of the political process. Any
time power is at stake, people in charge may be tempted. How they react to that
temptation and how others investigate possible corruption can lead to dramatic
consequences and page-turning suspense.
Crime does not pay . .
. as well as politics. -- Alfred E. Newman
My short story in FISH OR CUT BAIT: A GUPPY ANTHOLOGY
published by Wildside Press in April 2015 features Carolyn
Louise Mitchell, called Caro, a newly elected independent State Senator. As Caro
witnesses a filibuster about whether or not to get rid of a public employee by legislatively
eliminating his job, she begins to wonder if it’s only a man’s career at stake,
or if something criminal may be happening behind the scenes. The story’s title,
“The Train’s on the Tracks,” comes from a saying that if legislation is moving forward
that legislators need to decide whether to get a ticket to ride or stay off the
track (and avoid getting run over).
I’ve discovered that my first impression of politic
discussions was wrong. They offer plenty of ideas that allow writers to explore
human conflict and possible mayhem.
Do you follow politics, as a profession or avocation? Do you
enjoy political biographies or novels?
10 comments:
Welcome to Killer Hobbies, Paula. I wouldn't have thought of politics as a hobby but can see how a person can develop a fascination with it and with those who get involved in our government. I don't particularly understand why people put themselves out there that way, but I'm glad some of them do! (Then there are those I wish would just go home.) Thanks for your post and insight.
Oh, Linda, I second your parenthetical observation! If some of these people would just go home, it would clarify the political scene immeasurably!
Very thoughtful post, Paula. Your FISH OR CUT BAIT story's setting was almost a character of its own.
Your comment about politics not being simply debate, but that they affect our quality of life--so very true, and therefore important. What's important is always a good start for storytelling.
Enjoyed this post. What could be a more baffling mystery than politicians? BTW, a must-read site for political junkies: realclearpolitics.com. Top-notch articles culled from leading magazines, newspapers, websites, etc., and a great collection of polling data. All free to read.
I loved your FISH OR CUT BAIT story, Paula. I'm a political junkie, and there are times I get so caught up in the story of the day that I'm worthless as a writer. Actually, I can't understand people who aren't interested in politics as what happens in the political arena, whether statewise or national, affects their everyday life. Original subject matter for a blog post. Kudos.
Tracy, Linda, and Monica, thank you so much for this opportunity to guest today. I'm grateful to be here. You have a wonderful blog!
Ramona, thank you. I credit your expert editorial skill with helping me find the full potential for "The Train's on the Tracks." You are absolutely the best.
Thank you, Peter, for your kind words and for the link to a website I need to explore!
Polly, thank you. You're exactly right. What goes on in politics is something we all need to take an interest in and try to better understand. I'm so glad that you love the story. It's an honor to be in the anthology with you.
There are times when I'm a political junkie & then when I'm too tired of it all & just want to close my ears. But, of course, can't.
Very interesting and well written blog. I especially liked the way you interspersed the quotations in your piece. Fun.
Oh, and I do really enjoy politically oriented stories. Thanks for yours!
What a great discourse on what can be a difficult topic. I love those quotes, too. Excellent job, all the way around!
Good post, Paula. I also love the quotes. Unfortunately, politics invade any man-made institution. It's all about power. That's true in churches and home owner associations as well as Congress. It's a great source of conflict for writers. But when you're involved it can be a lot less entertaining.
Pam, Kaye, and Linda, thank you all for your kind words and for stopping by. You're exactly right, politics can be everywhere. As I was leaving my job at the university to work for the legislature, one of the professors said, "At least where you're going the politics will be out in the open." I used that phrase in "The Train's on the Tracks." What people say about politics tells so much. As Ramona said, it can be a character itself.
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