Tag: How to Write a Story

How to Write a Story

How to Write a Story: Theme

floraj5604

Hello, friends! How’s it going? This week I’ll discuss what the theme really is and how to choose what yours is going to be. So, let’s get down to business!

The theme is the main message of the story, or what the author is really trying to say. For example, let’s say you decided to write about a girl who is being bullied (I choose this example a lot… I’m not sure why. It’s the first thing that comes to mind, I guess!). What is the main idea or lesson that you’re trying to tell your readers? The theme of this story would probably be something about how it is wrong to bully. As an author, you’re trying to expose your reader to how bad bullying can really be, and that it needs to be stopped. Got it? Let’s talk about finding the theme of your story.

Pull out your plot notes and look through them. Is there an idea that just keeps popping up as you read through them? That would be your theme. Anything that you want to teach your readers is your theme.

There can be more than one theme in a story; there can actually be several. But there are also two types of themes: implicit and explicit. An implicit theme is a theme that you don’t directly state. You use details in your plot, setting, and characters to imply your theme. An explicit theme is directly stated. Ever read one of Aesop’s fables? There’s always a sentence at the end of each story that give you the theme. You can state your theme that way, or you can have one of your characters say it, or come up with some other way.

Another way to think of the theme is as the main idea. Here are a few examples:

  • Love
  • Dreams
  • Power
  • Money
  • Coming of age
  • Building character
  • Good vs. Evil

Those are just a few of the hundreds that are out there. Look it up on the Internet if you still need more examples- I found plenty!

That’s all I’ve got today. If you have any questions or comments, you can comment or send me an email.

Thanks for reading! Happy writing!

Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him. (James 1:12 ESV)

How to Write a Story

How to Write a Story: Setting Part Two

floraj5604

So, last week I gave you the basic options for choosing the time and place of your story. This week’s short post will focus on the details of the culture that you will need to think about.

Culture

So once you’ve decided the time and place, you’ll need to do some research. Here are a few things to think about.

  • Clothing
  • Money
  • Transportation
  • Jobs
  • Leader (President, king, council, etc.)
  • Technology
  • Social Ranking
  • Weather
  • Surroundings

All of these will depend on where your setting is. If you chose the same city or town you live in, it should be easy. If you chose somewhere that was in the same country you’re living in, you shouldn’t have to do much research. If you chose a country other than the one you live in, you’ll definitely have to do a lot of research. If you chose to make up your own world, you get to make it all up.

There are SO MANY things to think about for your setting. The more you write, the more you will realize how much there is to research and decide.

Next week (February 28) I’ll be doing my monthly recap for February. How is your story planning going? Have you decided on your setting? You can either comment or email me if you have any questions.

Thanks for reading! Happy writing!

Have you not known? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He does not faint or grow weary; his understanding is unsearchable. (Isaiah 40:28 ESV)