Panel: Harrowings: Trauma and Darkness in Catholic Fiction with Matthew P. Schmidt, J.B. Toner, and Karen Ullo, and moderator Dr. William Gonch

Murder. Rape. War. Terrorism. Genocide. Deliberate evil is a fact of our fallen world, and fiction holds the power to help us confront it through catharsis, empathy, and grace. But as a writer, what does it take to depict true evil? Are there lines we should not cross? What is the spiritual and emotional toll of entering deeply into the stories of characters who live through atrocities, either as the victims or the perpetrators? When is graphic violence gratuitous, and when is it a necessary component of art? How do we judge? Join seasoned authors Matthew P. Schmidt, J.B. Toner, and Karen Ullo, with moderator Dr. William Gonch of the Scala Foundation as we explore the dark side of the fiction writer’s craft and its ability to shine true light.