Stories are full of choices, crossroads, dilemmas.  A character may decide whether to speak or keep silent, whether to stay or go, whether to let the rest of the world know who he or she truly is.   The character may risk discrimination, injury, or the loss of a dream.  As a writer, I build my stories around critical choices. One of the benefits of literature is the chance to explore alternatives in a way that we can't in life.  In books, we get to try the road not taken.  One way for readers, classes, and book clubs to approach a book… Continue reading