E – Epidemic
Natural disasters and man-made ones make for brilliant
thriller reads, I find. The age-old ‘race against time’ to save innocent lives
and – occasionally - the whole human race is the ultimate in ‘edge of the seat’
drama if done well.
Some of the best stories I have come across in the genre of
thrillers, involve the use of the word ‘epidemic’. To most people this word is
scary as it is the world of science gone wrong and nasty things happening to
unsuspecting people. But I suspect the scary part is more about our lack of
control over such tiny (usually unseen) microorganisms that can and do kill us
indiscriminately.
We can easily imagine catching a nasty disease and the
thought that something can spread like wildfire and wipe out an entire population
– well, we know in our heart of hearts that it could just happen…
To add to the tension and drama there is usually a time
element to these stories and so it is not so difficult to build in a page
turning tension. A sceptic (often a politician) who does not take the threat
seriously is generally built in to provide the opposition to the main character
and - voila – a readymade thriller plot!
I don’t mean to sound as if this is so easy but there is
definitely a theme to these stories, and we all know it, but it doesn’t seem to
stop readers wanting these kinds of stories.
I love these books and I have used the motif in my own
novels a little. My latest thriller (unpublished as yet) does have a plot
strand where a type of plague is released into a small community.
Have you considered using an epidemic ( or the threat of
one) to heighten tension and create extra conflict? Have you read a great
book/story using an epidemic?
The best use of an epidemic in fiction is Stephen King's "The Stand." One of his best books, in my opinion, and likely the best adaptation for the screen. I thought it was Rob Lowe's best performance.
ReplyDeleteI've not used an epidemic because I don't usually write anything dark enough to warrant it. Have read about them though. One that Springs to mind is Andy McNab's Dark Winter.
ReplyDeleteI haven't really thought about using that as a plot element, but every time we learn about the plague in class or one of those movies comes out (like last summer's Contagion) I get chills thinking that that kind of thing could really happen again. Ahhh!
ReplyDeleteEnjoyed your post, thank you. Definitely a great way for extra conflict and an exciting read. I've been wanting to read another Stephen King book - will be looking out for 'The Stand' as suggested by Everett. :-)
ReplyDeleteI love stories like this, although of course I spend hours afterwards thinking 'what if...'.
ReplyDeleteI've never written about an epidemic. Maybe one day.
ReplyDeleteI love them! I haven't used an epidemic exactly, but pretty close. Mine has a deadly disease for which they have the cure, but then the cure is put in jeopardy. Great post!
ReplyDeleteI read a book by Brian L Porter about an epidemic. However, I haven't ever written about it myself.
ReplyDeleteThank you for the birthday wishes.
Thank you everyone for your comments.
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