American writer Walter Jon Williams is well-known for his fantasy and science fiction books. His profound concern for the cruelty that people can inflict on one another is one of the writing's noteworthy themes. He examines how people treat one another with far greater cruelty and fear than they ever would mythical creatures like vampires or werewolves in many of his works.

Williams frequently illustrates this point with metaphors. Imagine it as a comparison between actual human behavior and a supernatural monster-filled horror film. People often ignore the very real threats posed by their fellow humans, much like in these stories where the characters are afraid of being hunted by ghosts or demons. The premise is that although fictional threats may frighten us because they are portrayed as frightening and dangerous, the harm that comes from human behavior is frequently disregarded.

Williams emphasizes in his works that acts of cruelty, violence, and discrimination by one individual against another can be far more horrifying than anything portrayed in horror films. He wants readers to consider the commonplace deeds of kindness—or lack thereof—that people perform toward one another and how these deeds have a greater impact on our world than any mythical creature could.

By drawing attention to this harsh reality, Williams challenges his audience to face up to difficult realities about society and human nature and to assume responsibility for fostering a better world where such atrocities are reduced.