For many writers, theme is an afterthought--something they may try to figure out once the book is mostly written. But in reality, for a lot of stories, the premise actually promises a theme, or at least, a theme topic. This may not be true of all premises, but a surprising number actually have a … [Read more...] about How Premise Plays into Theme
Search Results for: theme
How Do You Lead Readers to Your Theme?
A good book, once finished, often leaves you with that feeling of something more. I like to think of it as the book’s essence. It kind of hangs around like a ghost, occasionally prodding you with reminders of the realization you had while reading it, or bringing to mind that character who never left … [Read more...] about How Do You Lead Readers to Your Theme?
Use Theme to Determine Subplots, Supporting Characters, and Tension
I recently spoke at the Storymakers conference in Utah, and while I was there, I attended a class on theme. Theme is kind of an ethereal topic, difficult to grasp and even harder to apply. But I was blown away by Amanda Rawson Hill's breakdown—so much so that I contacted her and asked if she'd write … [Read more...] about Use Theme to Determine Subplots, Supporting Characters, and Tension
Deepening Our Story: Theme It Like You Mean It
Our story’s themes—our messages to readers of what to value or believe—can add depth and meaning to our writing, but to avoid being too on-the-nose, our themes are usually developed in the story’s subtext. Unfortunately, working in subtext means we can accidentally create unintentional … [Read more...] about Deepening Our Story: Theme It Like You Mean It
Theme Made Simple
Let's talk about theme, shall we? No, don't run away. I know it can be hard to understand and even harder to do well, but theme plays such a huge part in writing a story that resonates with readers. Luckily, Daeus Lamb is here today to share a technique for incorporating theme into your story … [Read more...] about Theme Made Simple
Theme: The Marrow of Your Story
If structure is the bones of story, theme is the marrow. Plainly defined, theme is what our stories mean, and it is revealed through other literary elements such as character, plot, dialogue, perspective, setting, mood, and tone. Stories may have several themes. Oftentimes readers—and writers … [Read more...] about Theme: The Marrow of Your Story
Understanding Character Wounds: A List Of Common Themes
Characters are the heart of a novel, and within that heart is the Hero’s Inner Journey. The protagonist’s path is much like yours or mine--one that will (hopefully) bring him closer to lifelong happiness and fulfillment. In real life, people strive to become something more, to be something … [Read more...] about Understanding Character Wounds: A List Of Common Themes
The Power of THEME
I'm happy to welcome back Dr. John Yeoman of Writer's Village, a writing community dedicated to helping writers succeed. You might remember his last post, Want To Write A Bestseller? Change Your Mind! that focused on how a writer can create fresh description through altering our … [Read more...] about The Power of THEME
Relationship Thesaurus: Frenemies
Successful stories are driven by authentic and interesting characters, so it’s important to craft them carefully. But characters don’t usually exist in a vacuum; throughout the course of your story, they’ll live, work, play, and fight with other cast members. Some of those relationships are positive … [Read more...] about Relationship Thesaurus: Frenemies
How Memoir and Autobiography Differ
By Liz Alterman A few years ago, I told a friend that I’d nearly finished writing a memoir. She knew that it focused on the period my husband and I—both in our mid-to-late forties—were laid off simultaneously and struggling to get our careers and marriage back on track. Yet that didn't stop her … [Read more...] about How Memoir and Autobiography Differ
Relationship Thesaurus Entry: Headmaster and Student
Successful stories are driven by authentic and interesting characters, so it’s important to craft them carefully. But characters don’t usually exist in a vacuum; throughout the course of your story, they’ll live, work, play, and fight with other cast members. Some of those relationships are positive … [Read more...] about Relationship Thesaurus Entry: Headmaster and Student
A New Face at Writers Helping Writers
As you guys can probably guess, Becca and I have a lot on the go as we share businesses, books, software, and more. We teach, run this blog, manage multiple platforms, and do our own marketing. A question we are often asked is, "How do you do it?" And the answer is usually... "Oh, you … [Read more...] about A New Face at Writers Helping Writers