Bad things happen to characters here and in his other novels. Still, there is a kind of light in his books that others have attributed to his strong religious feelings. I think writing comes from the same source as my religious devotion, so I use it up and it takes time for the well to fill again. But I'm not sure that the optimism and the success of my characters in overcoming darkness is really connected to my religion. I think it's connected to a belief I have in the ongoing quality of life.
People survive and are stronger for their suffering.
It's just the feeling I have about life. Jon Hassler must be plain lousy at bombast and media hype. Alden Mudge is a writer in Oakland, California.