Online for Authors Episode 6-3-25

Battleground America: A Military Thriller of Division and Defiance with Author William R Douglas

William R. Douglas, author of "The Sum of All Our Anger: Civil War 2.0," recently graced the Online for Authors podcast with his presence, sharing insights into his latest thought-provoking work that challenges readers to reflect on the current political landscape. This episode dives deep into the inspiration behind the book and the poignant messages within its pages.

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A Glimpse into the Future
In "The Sum of All Our Anger: Civil War 2.0," Douglas weaves a narrative that starts in the year 2061, following the election of the first openly socialist president in the United States. This event triggers a catastrophic sequence, leading to a second civil war, serving as a stark warning against unchecked political division and acrimony.

The Genesis of a Gripping Tale

The concept for this chilling narrative emerged from Douglas's previous work, "The Death and Resurrection of Baseball." During numerous podcast interviews, Douglas was often urged to explore the civil war he mentioned in his first book. Despite initial reluctance—due to the unsettling subject matter—the persistent political headlines nudged him to confront the idea head-on, creating a narrative designed to provoke critical reflection and dialogue.

Characters That Resonate

Among the characters Douglas enjoyed crafting, Bishop King and Governor Mary Whitfield stand out. Bishop King personifies the moderacy often seen in American governance, advocating for a centrist approach amid opposing extreme ideologies. On the other hand, Mary Whitfield exemplifies the commitment to uphold the Constitution, leading one side of the brewing conflict.

Conversely, President Devin Cyrus presented challenges to Douglas due to Cyrus's socialist ideals, diametrically opposing his own beliefs. Yet, Douglas acknowledges the importance of exploring such perspectives, as they reflect growing interests within parts of American society.

A Disturbing Mirror

Douglas hopes readers walk away with a sense of responsibility, urging them to introspect on their actions and roles in societal divisions. The narrative invites readers to uphold critical thinking, engagement in dialogue, and the willingness to agree to disagree—aiming to mitigate the conditions that could lead to such grim futures.

The Influence of Media and AI

Reflecting on the impact of media and artificial intelligence, William and I note the growing challenge of discerning truth in a landscape where misinformation can be easily fabricated. The narrative of "The Sum of All Our Anger" complements this concern, pushing readers to question sources and embrace their critical faculties.

Interactive Engagement

To continue the conversation and delve deeper into William R. Douglas's compelling narrative, readers are encouraged to join the Novels and Latte book club on Facebook. Participants also have the opportunity to win a digital copy of "The Sum of All Our Anger" by sharing their thoughts and learnings from the podcast.

William illuminates the urgent themes of his book—challenging everyone to examine the future collectively envisioned and take actionable steps to foster unity, understanding, and resilience.
Whether you stand on the left, right, or somewhere in the middle, Douglas's narrative is a wake-up call, advocating for cooperative dialogue and thoughtful reflection on the society we wish to shape.

Purchase The Sun of All Our Anger: Civil War 2.0 on Amazon:
Paperback: https://amzn.to/3Zv8LGO
Ebook: https://amzn.to/4kzrysR

*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.