At the same time, these are traits in her I do admire and wish I had more of in myself. I freely admit I’m a bit of an unmotivated slug in comparison to her. I am, however, happy with who and what I actually am, so it’s not the author trying to project herself or her fantasy-self into the story. Ia is Ia, and I am Jean. I know I need to get out and exercise more, but I’m not going to strap on a weightsuit.
Ia’s earnestness is a by-product of the only way she knows how to save her sanity: she has to act. She cannot NOT act. In fact, one could say that she’s, well, a bit insane. Beyond insane, even. Save the entire galaxy? And pull it off long after twice her average life expectancy has passed? That way is insanity, of the sort that creates madmen and Evil Overlord attempts. What saves her, and everyone around her, is that she is also deeply moral.
Power in and of itself does not corrupt. It merely magnifies, and amplifies. If a person is morally bankrupt, then yes, power will accelerate and display their corruption. If a person constantly remembers to check their moral compass and takes the time to consider the consequences of their actions, how their efforts will affect and impact the lives around them, then power will not corrupt. Ia has the ultimate checks-and-balances already imposed upon her, as well as the ultimate goad to jab her into action, because she can see all the potential-possible pathways of both action and inaction. I’d be working my butt off, too, if I were trapped in her situation… but I’m not, so like you, I have the leisure of being able to feel like an unmotivated slug by comparison.
And with that I think I will stop as I’m sure you have tons of people asking for your time and I want you to have at least a little time to stop and enjoy having this wonderful little book come out… and then I want you right back in there working on the next ten sequels!
I can only guarantee four books at the moment, since that’s the contract I have. I do hold strong hopes for seven books, and with luck, a few more. But I’ll put as much care into each book I write, fantasy, romance, or science fiction, as I can, however many or few I’m given the chance to write. That’s my promise to you.
Article comments
1 - Michael Jones
Don't forget to comment here and toss your electronic hat into the ring for a chance to win the extra copy I have of this wonderful little book.