The Blog Event....and a note on NaNoWriMo

Dungy and Matt, skip down a paragraph. For the rest of you reading this, unless you are interested in the blog crossover event between me, Matt and Dungy, skip down to the NaNoWriMo section.
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First, ok, let's drop steps 4 and 5 and just do like we do on the comments.

For our first topic, if I may be so bold as to go first, will have to do with the legal recognition of marriage, but my aim here has little to do with the gay marriage issue but rather some poly-amorous scenario I read about in an advice column. Nevertheless...

Here's the prompt:
By generations of civil, religious and de facto recognition, we know that society can and does regulate the institution of marriage. Sticking with the civil side of things, by what right does the government have authority to regulate such unions? And if they do have the right, why, and how far does their authority extend? If they do not, why.

I suppose a 1,500 word count is a good number for a concise argument, but I'm open to feedback on that.

I say we make the deadline Monday at 1 p.m. One can post early if need be, but we just need to go on the honor code and say no peeking.

Thoughts?

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NANOWRIMO 2011

I still don't have a plot in mind, just a million ideas and probably a theme of religion.

So submitted for your consideration are a couple plot synopses I might go with.

1. Upon this TV
Two friends from college have taken different faith journeys that have led them to become very different. One is an atheist, the other a protestant-leaning Catholic. The way it goes, the two have gone on to become prominent writers/lecturers for their respective causes. When the book starts, they're getting ready for a national TV appearance on an O'Reilly Factor type of show that will pit them against each other. At this point, they haven't spoken in a few years. Story will be told in flashbacks most likely and will not be about who is right, as much as it will be about the concept of civil discourse.


2. Hell's Angel
A fantastical tale of an demon with the worst job of all demons. He can be called/commanded by guardian angels to appear to Christians who are wavering on the faith to witness to them about the reality of hell. It won't end well for him I don't think. If I do this one, it might end up being a series of related theological leaning short stories that total up to novel size. It will most likely seem very preachy because I lack subtlety.

3. Stereotypical coming of age tale
My loose idea for a story here will be about a girl who grows up in the present and is Catholic. No one she knows is Catholic the usual COA novel shit ensues. I decided if I do this one it will be a girl to keep me from trying to make the main character be me.

4. Got an idea? Let me know in the comments here or on facebook. Thanks.