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After earning a B.A. in Creative Writing from George Mason University and a M.S. in Curriculum and Instruction from Radford, I taught high school English until becoming a mommy. Writing Young Adult (YA) stories gives me the opportunity to delve into the ambiguities of those pivotal, daunting, and exciting years before adulthood.
I live in Northern Virginia with my husband, daughter, and son.
"Is some sinning required and even encouraged to be living instead of just existing?"
When Rie asked this question I squirmed just a little. You see, because I chose to use Biblical lore as the foundation of my story world, I boxed myself in as far as rules for the world. I’m no theologist or Bible expert. I did a ton of research and readings for Sweet Evil, and I know people on both sides of the spirituality fence will feel uncomfortable by this subject matter. Please know it is not my intention to judge or condone. I’ll answer this question in regards to the story world, which merely serves as a backdrop for the love story being told.
Whew! *wipes forehead*
With that being said, the answer to the question above would be “no.” Sin is not required or encouraged, but it’s definitely normal and even expected. (It’s all about word choice, eh?) No human is perfect, and no person can go through life without falling to temptation. Even the main character, Anna, whose angel qualities have been nurtured to make her the ultimate good girl, struggles with temptations of things she feels in her heart are wrong. The primary vices spoken of in Sweet Evil are Lust, Greed, Envy, Wrath, Gluttony, Adultery, Murder, Lying, and Substance Abuse. In my story world, the purpose of life is to seek a higher, spiritual state of mind, and to love all other people. Each of the vices listed above are ways to lure people off their path of purpose. Humans are greedy, selfish, jealous, pleasure-seekers by nature. The demons in Sweet Evil know they can use human-nature against people by talking them into indulging in those vices—causing people to think only of themselves in that moment—often leading to broken relationships and regrets.
Plato says that pleasure is the bait of sin. The demons know this. They know it feels good to yell and lash out when we’re angry, and they also know we’ll do and say hurtful things while we’re experiencing that release. They’re aware that it’s satisfying to wish for bad things to befall that person who evokes our envy, but deep-down it tears at our soul to have such bitter thoughts. It’s fun to give our bodies over to pleasure with that person who’s making us feel special and sexy, but the demons know these moments are stacking up as baggage that we’ll carry into future relationships for unfair comparisons and doubts and guilt. It is in these sneaky ways that the demons in Sweet Evil use sin against people. It’s all about intentions.
But here’s where the demons get it wrong: they believe sin will be the downfall of humanity. It’s true that some will be lost to their addictions. But the demons downplay the roles of love and hope in human lives. They don’t take into account that people learn from their mistakes and use their experiences to help others. Anna sees this. She always sees the good in people, which is why she was such a joy to write.
Is anybody else sweating?? In my general life, I find it rude to talk politics and religion. So how is it that I’ve written a book that would cause me to discuss such things? Lol—ironic, I know. And here’s the beauty of books: Rie and I are of differing beliefs, yet here we are…discussing. Respectful. I love that, even if it does take me out of my comfort zone.
Please feel free to contact me at wendyhigginswrites (at) gmail (dot) com. And if the rules of my story world have offended you, please don’t take it out on sweet Rie for hosting me. She’s a brave soul.
May 1st 2012, HarperTeen464 pages, ARC
Received from Publisher
Young Adult Fiction
What if there were teens whose lives depended on being bad influences? This is life for sons and daughters of fallen angels in Sweet Evil.
Tenderhearted Southern girl, Anna Whitt, was born with the sixth sense to see and feel emotions of other people. She’s aware of a struggle within herself, an inexplicable pull toward danger, but it isn’t until she turns sixteen and meets the alluring Kaidan Rowe that she discovers her terrifying heritage, and her will-power is put to the test. He’s the boy your daddy warned you about. If only someone had warned Anna.
A cross-country trip to meet her father forces Anna to face the reality that hope and love are not options for her kind. When she confronts her destiny, will Anna embrace her halo or her horns?
Rie's Note: No, you are the brave one! Thank you so much for doing this guest post!
Categories: Guest Post, Higgins
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