And how to convince Showtime that this would work, and why. But most of the discourse involved had to do with things like the use of the N-word, and thematic content that might be too much for television audiences. Richard consult with you at any time as they were writing? I felt that it was more difficult for the actors to guard the magic, if you will, of the language. The smart thing to do, if someone’s good, is get out of the way. They were so faithful to it that at times I just kept away because I said, “I’m going to muck it up.” Mark Richard and Ethan are high-level writers.

It sounds like the tone and language of the series accurately reflected the spirit of your book. It made for some difficult moments with Showtime, but they stuck to their guns and they should be commended for doing so. In part because Ethan and Mark Richard were insistent on keeping the story onscreen as close to the book as possible. It was the biggest creative thrill I’ve had in many years. What was it like seeing your characters brought to life by the likes of Ethan Hawke and Joshua Caleb Johnson (as Onion)? If John Brown is the white savior that people don’t like, put my name right next to his, and I’ll take it. Those who understand that humanity and the search for good that drives us create the best kinds of stories. In terms of storytelling, was just a great man. The problems of race in this country are far more complicated than the white savior myth.

And then that person falls into something that’s neat, that can fit into a neat tweet or even a news story. Part of the problem in our society is that we assign terminology to people. Was the notion of perpetuating that myth, even though this is based on history, ever a concern? This might be considered a variation of the white savior myth, with a hero who’s part lunatic, part uncompromising warrior. I added a comedic flavor to it because it’s easy to laugh through the pain rather than tell somebody, “Here, take your medicine.” You want to create something that’s enjoyable and celebrates the goodness in people. Onion is a created character that allows the viewer and the reader to view John Brown and the beginning of the Civil War with fresh and somewhat innocent eyes. How much of it is fancy and how much is fact? This is a rollicking chronicle based on real people and actual events. Paramount Shake-Up: Showtime Research Guru Kim Lemon Out, Laurel Weir Upped

Author of the good lord bird