If They Want War, Let it Begin Here
When we sat down with local author Charles Sage on the North Idaho Experience Podcast, we weren’t just talking about his debut novel, Potter’s Run. We were diving into a narrative that feels as relevant today as ever—a gripping story that challenges ideas about freedom, family, and standing up for what you believe in.
Charles Sage’s career has been anything but conventional, taking him from the gritty streets of Baltimore to the vast, untamed wilderness of Alaska. His first steps into law enforcement began as a Baltimore County police officer, where he experienced the challenges of urban policing firsthand. “You learn to read people, make quick decisions, and adapt to situations you can’t prepare for,” Charles shared during the podcast.
After three years in Baltimore, Charles traded city streets for the remote expanses of Alaska, joining the elite ranks of the Alaska State Troopers. Here, he faced the stark realities of rural law enforcement, often responding to calls hours—or even a plane flight—away. Piloting a patrol Super Cub equipped with floats, Charles navigated Alaska’s rugged terrain, enforcing laws and safeguarding isolated communities. The experience shaped his perspective on self-reliance and resilience, qualities that continue to influence his writing today.
The Motivation Behind Writing
For Charles, writing has been a lifelong passion. “I’ve been scribbling stories since I was five,” he revealed. His transition to author came during a tumultuous period when a government mandate ended his long-standing career in defense contracting. Faced with unemployment and uncertainty, Charles turned to writing as both a creative outlet and a form of catharsis.
Potter’s Run emerged from this challenging time, a narrative shaped by his life experiences and frustrations. The novel allowed him to process his emotions and channel his thoughts on government overreach, societal dynamics, and the importance of personal choice. Writing, as he explained, is not just an art but a means of making sense of the world.
Themes That Matter
At its core, Potter’s Run is a reflection on critical issues that resonate deeply in today’s world. The story tackles themes like government overreach, societal complacency, and the importance of standing firm on one’s convictions. “There’s always a choice, even if it’s a hard one,” Charles noted, emphasizing the power of individual decision-making in the face of external pressures.
The novel serves as a thought-provoking exploration of what it means to protect your values, your family, and your freedom. By weaving these themes into a compelling narrative, Charles invites readers to reflect on their own beliefs and boundaries, sparking conversations about the balance between personal rights and societal obligations.
Throughout the podcast, Charles highlighted the importance of self-reliance and critical thinking. He challenged listeners to consider the impact of their choices, from how they interact with authority to how they support their local communities. “It’s not just about standing up for what you believe in,” he explained, “but also about ensuring those values are passed down to future generations.”
Charles urged people to embrace personal responsibility, whether by making conscious decisions about where they spend their money or by preparing for potential challenges ahead. His message was clear: We can’t rely solely on outside forces to protect our freedoms or sustain our communities. It starts with us, the individuals who call these places home.
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