The cast of characters - Moon is a Harsh Mistress

I have a lot of things to talk about in Heinlein's books but I want to start my posting with my most favorite of all Heinlein books - Moon is a Harsh Mistress.

It's a fantastic story of a revolution that people who live in the Moon launch for their freedom and although there is a hero and a heroine, there are quite a few other characters in the story. Heinlein has the knack to create the perfect balance in giving the limelight to his characters. Well, he has in this particular story. Even though the hero, Mannie, is telling the story in first person narrative, he is not the most important person in the story. Sure he has a great role, lots and lots of footage, but the other people around him get their fair share, even when he is wrong and they are right. They all bring some quality to the story, or to the revolution, it could be Professor de la Paz with his vast experience of life, or the heroine Wyoming Knott who adds her feminine instinct, her common sense, her people skills to the cause, they all contribute towards a common goal.

Now, think about life. Who is the most important person here? Why, you, of course! You are the superhero (or superheroine, I am NOT going to say superperson) of your own story. But, and this is the point I want to stress, you simply cannot carry the whole story by yourself no matter what super powers you possess. Therefore, you must pay attention to those around you, the characters that add to the story, the people who support you, help you, motivate you, provide you with a shoulder to cry on, or a shoulder to shoot from as the need may be. If you want the story of your life to be a bestseller you need to give them the due attention, recognize them for what they are, acknowledge their support and don't be ashamed of asking for help when you need it.

An author writes many books, but the masterpiece of your life will be written once and only once, so make sure you choose the right characters, and develop the story in a way that you, as its author, will be proud of.