Tag: Mettle

Let’s Head on Over to the Mettle Universe

While Mettle is a punny title, its meaning should be abundantly clear.

What happens when the world goes to hell in a handcart when the metals of the periodic table start to disappear and transmute?

But it’s also about mettle, about courage.

Will you be able to step up and stand up when you’re needed the most? Or will you fold like cheap cardboard?

Character Arcs and Journeys

Of all the books and short stories I have ever written, this one has the most in terms of character arcs. The characters all get from point A to point Z or so.

Nell and Dez both grow up. She starts off as a mousy child hiding from the world. He starts out as a young tough on a skateboard.

Mink does not grow up quite so much, but she does express compassion. And, she stops social climbing. As for Kitty, the less said, the better.

Craig gets out of what looks like his fate and comes to a different understanding of the world. A similar arc happens to Mei-Lin, who comes out of her shell.

Eleanor regains clarity for a while. Olga gets a chance to contribute in ways that do not just involve caring for Eleanor.

Elise becomes more social and a lot less of a hermit. And Noah, finally, gets the chance to, as in the book, lead his people.