Pondering Over Topic while Writing Compositions
In the realm of storytelling, a theme serves as the backbone that ties together characters, plot, setting, and conflict, providing a deeper meaning to the narrative. This underlying message or central idea is crucial in giving stories a sense of cohesion and resonance.
According to ARHuelsenbeck, a former elementary general music teacher and blogger who focuses on the arts and the creative process, having a theme in hand before beginning to write a story is important. However, the theme may not always be evident during the initial drafting process. It often emerges as characters face dilemmas and make choices that demonstrate the theme in action.
The theme acts as a reflection of the author's views or insights about life and society, and it often addresses universal truths or moral questions. For example, themes can range from "love" and "death" to more abstract concepts such as "think before you speak" or "be prepared to deal with the consequences of your words".
To identify or develop a theme during the writing process, ARHuelsenbeck suggests reading and understanding the story thoroughly, observing central conflicts and ideas, considering the author's perspective and context, reflecting on the perspective the story or characters take on a topic, and allowing the theme to emerge naturally.
ARHuelsenbeck is currently working on a YA mystical fantasy work-in-progress called "The Unicornologist". Her ulterior motive for writing this story is to encourage readers to be open to the supernatural. If you're interested in following her journey, you can find her on Twitter, or see some of her artwork, photography, and quilts on Instagram.
The theme of a story is the message the author is trying to convey through their writing. It is essential to analyze and identify this message before starting rewrites, as it adds depth and meaning, transforming a sequence of events into a powerful story that resonates and sticks with readers.
While ARHuelsenbeck's work explores themes in her writing, she invites readers to share their own insights in the comments below about the themes they find in their favourite stories. After all, the beauty of storytelling lies in the unique perspectives and interpretations it inspires.
[1] Source 1 [2] Source 2 [3] Source 3 [4] Source 4 [5] Source 5
Note: This article is a guest post contributed by ARHuelsenbeck. It does not recommend any blurb writing service or provide information about the themes of the books ARHuelsenbeck has written or is writing.
- In the world of fiction writing, the creative process often involves having a theme in mind before starting a story, yet it might not become evident until the first draft.
- Online-education platforms and self-development resources can help writers learn techniques to identify or develop a theme in their stories, such as understanding the narrative thoroughly and allowing it to emerge naturally.
- Education and self-development through online sources can provide opportunities for writers to enhance their skills in fiction writing, thus improving the depth and resonance of their work.
