if the characters are real and their journey is real, the themes can be automatic, and in fact, will be there, as part of a very organic process.
My thing is, I usually don't know what the themes are until I've written a good deal of the book, or brainstormed it a hell of a lot. I didn't figure out till just recently that the book I'm working on now has a lot to do with honesty, for instance.
My agent bought me the weekend, which is great. And also means I can put Vampire People to bed this weekend and break out the champagne I've been saving.
Go, Allyson! You can do it.
I'm always surprised to discover themes in my stuff. I never think "What do I want the theme of this to be?" I just tend to write things about loyalty, betrayal, the consequences of choice, and standing by what you believe in for good or ill. It's where the juciest plots lie.
Go, Allyson! Nail the vampires book down, and let it fly.
connie, it's also where most people founder on the rocks, and, well, there you go. A writer with any dexterity at all can take those themes and produce a damned good book. If you're Michael Chabon, you take those themes and produce Kavalier & Klay.
I'm always surprised to discover themes in my stuff. I never think "What do I want the theme of this to be?" I just tend to write things about loyalty, betrayal, the consequences of choice, and standing by what you believe in for good or ill. It's where the juciest plots lie.
Very much, yes. I've also found that extended metaphors will sometimes sneak into my work without my noticing. That's fun.
Is it odd that an editor is asking for a full on a non-fiction proposal? With a deadline?
They usually aren't even written at the proposal stage. Just asking for asking's sake, and also because I need to take a break for a minute.
Maybe they just want proof that you can deliver.
That's the answer I just got from someone else, Connie, and it makes perfect sense, of course. First time author and all. I had given her 8 of 12 complete, so I'm hoping that it's a postive sign that she liked what she read well enough to ask for the rest.
I just never heard of it with non-fic and am toggling between thinking I'm on shaky ground and thinking it's a good sign.
Allyson, not a non-fiction writer, but I honestly can't come up with a single good reason why she'd want to see four more essays if she hadn't liked the first eight.
Nothing to do with the drabble topic. A villanelle.
whatever
If you should see me on that dark highway
Feel free to slap some life into my face:
whisper the words my soul demands I say.
I love you. Wait, what's that? Too bad, you say;
You're just the rainbow I'm condemned to chase
If you should see me on that dark highway?
This history, this pointless game we play
Mementos of my only shot at grace
Whisper the words my soul demands I say.
I'd give the world, give anything, to stay
Rescind goodbye: please let me state my case
If you should see me on that dark highway.
So I'll keep walking, walk until I'm grey
I've lost the one thing no one can replace
Whisper the words my soul demands I say.
Ah, well - you never loved me anyway
So there's the truth, grafittied at the base
If you should see me on that dark highway
Whisper the words my soul demands I say....
I'm not here much, but I wanted to let you know I'm cheering for you, Allyson!
t waves pom-poms
