Why Theme Still Matters, Even In Escapist Entertainment

May 17, 2013
You may not see the thread, but without it, you got nothing.

brocade by michaelaw at sxc.hu

Pictures are for entertainment; messages should be delivered by Western Union – Samuel Goldwyn (of MGM)

If you’re writing a sermon, shame on you if there isn’t some sort of takeaway.

If your ads need to sell product, the theme should communicate that your product solves a deep-rooted need within.

Writing for entertainment is different. Novels, Videogames, and Movies are all escapist mediums. With those, we want to be entertained, to ‘get away’ from our present situations.

When that’s your objective, the idea that we might have to do something lates makes it more difficult to relax.

In this case, theme needs to be almost invisible. But that doesn’t make it less important. If anything, it makes theme more crucial.

Theme Helps Answer Most of Your Pre-First Draft Questions

Without theme, it’s difficult to make the key decisions necessary to shape your story.

  • Which characters are the best ones to tell the story?
  • Why would a city be a better setting than an isolated island?
  • Would a funeral be a better place for a family fight than a graduation party?
  • What should your conflict be about?

I kind of knew what my theme was about when I started writing my current book: The search for truth is difficult, and takes multiple attempts, but it is worth it in the end.

Theme needs to be communicated by the characters actions. Doing so only with words will turn people off.

In real life, we have enough people telling us one thing, while doing another – that doesn’t resonate with us.

How Theme Guided My Decisions

The search for truth is difficult, and takes multiple attempts, but it is worth it in the end.

With this theme in mind, I knew that one character had to go through this journey. Difficult, disempowering lies needed to grab hold of my main character.

Then, the opposite:

There had to be another character who NEVER did this soul searching, but seemed to have control of everything and everyone. Eventually, the main character needed to surpass this unmoving dinosaur – forever set in their ways.

There also had to be other characters who either weren’t aware or thought the search was a waste of time.

Is my theme the same as what it will be when the whole thing is finished? Mostly.

Over time, I will refine it. That’s a big part of writing and rewriting.

For me, not knowing your theme until your finished is like using a scalpel to turn a kangaroo into Miss Universe – there will be a lot of deep cuts, and there’s a high chance it won’t work.

You can still communicate your message – and Tell A Great Story

If you don’t want people’s lives to be different, you don’t really have anything to say. There’s nothing to talk about.

Even if your story makes no change whatsoever, the thought that it could may give you the juice needed to follow through with your project to the end.

Not every writer does it this way – it’s only how I do it.

A few writers, after many false starts and hundreds of revisions, can make a good story without knowing their theme at the beginning. Even then, they likely refined their craft and subconsciously had an idea of it anyway.

Is it obvious to you when someone is trying to communicate a theme in a story? Has it ever made you love a story more? Less? Let me know in the comments…

81 responses to Why Theme Still Matters, Even In Escapist Entertainment

  1. I just want to mention I’m all new to blogging and site-building and seriously loved this website. Very likely I’m planning to bookmark your site . You really have fantastic articles. Kudos for revealing your web page.

  2. The road to hell is paved with good intentions.

  3. I simply want to mention I am just beginner to weblog and really enjoyed this blog site. Very likely I’m likely to bookmark your blog post . You surely have superb articles and reviews. Thank you for revealing your website.

  4. I simply want to say I am just new to blogging and seriously enjoyed you’re website. Most likely I’m likely to bookmark your site . You amazingly come with awesome articles and reviews. Regards for sharing with us your web site.

  5. I just want to tell you that I am just new to weblog and really liked your blog. Likely I’m likely to bookmark your blog . You certainly come with beneficial articles. Cheers for sharing your website.

  6. I just want to mention I’m new to blogs and absolutely loved this blog site. Most likely I’m want to bookmark your blog . You really come with wonderful articles and reviews. Cheers for sharing your web site.

  7. I just want to mention I am just new to blogging and site-building and honestly loved you’re website. Likely I’m likely to bookmark your website . You absolutely come with fantastic article content. Thank you for sharing your web site.

  8. I just want to say I’m all new to blogging and really savored your web site. Probably I’m want to bookmark your blog post . You absolutely have terrific posts. Bless you for sharing with us your web-site.

  9. I simply want to mention I am new to blogging and site-building and absolutely savored your page. Almost certainly I’m going to bookmark your blog . You surely come with really good article content. Thanks a lot for sharing your blog site.

  10. I simply want to say I am just very new to blogging and site-building and certainly loved you’re page. Likely I’m planning to bookmark your blog . You definitely have really good stories. Appreciate it for sharing your webpage.

  11. I simply want to say I am all new to blogging and site-building and really liked you’re web-site. More than likely I’m want to bookmark your site . You amazingly have excellent article content. Thanks a lot for sharing your blog site.

  12. I simply want to mention I am just beginner to weblog and actually savored this page. Likely I’m want to bookmark your website . You definitely have superb article content. With thanks for revealing your web site.

  13. I simply want to say I’m very new to blogging and honestly enjoyed your blog. Almost certainly I’m likely to bookmark your site . You amazingly have incredible articles and reviews. Kudos for sharing with us your blog.

  14. I simply want to say I’m beginner to blogs and really savored your web-site. Most likely I’m planning to bookmark your blog post . You definitely come with excellent writings. Bless you for revealing your blog.

  15. I simply want to say I am just all new to blogging and definitely savored your web site. Almost certainly I’m planning to bookmark your blog . You definitely come with perfect article content. Thanks a lot for sharing your web-site.

  16. I simply want to tell you that I’m newbie to blogging and certainly liked you’re page. Almost certainly I’m want to bookmark your site . You really have good articles and reviews. Cheers for revealing your blog.

  17. I just want to tell you that I’m all new to blogging and site-building and actually liked you’re website. Probably I’m want to bookmark your site . You surely have fabulous writings. Many thanks for revealing your website.

  18. I simply want to say I am all new to blogging and seriously liked this web-site. Almost certainly I’m going to bookmark your blog post . You definitely come with really good posts. With thanks for revealing your blog site.

  19. I just want to say I am just all new to blogging and site-building and actually loved this web blog. Very likely I’m want to bookmark your blog post . You really have amazing article content. Bless you for sharing your web page.

  20. I just want to tell you that I am newbie to weblog and honestly savored you’re web site. Very likely I’m want to bookmark your blog . You amazingly have really good well written articles. Thanks a lot for revealing your webpage.

  21. I just want to mention I’m very new to blogging and definitely savored this page. Almost certainly I’m likely to bookmark your blog post . You definitely come with impressive writings. Cheers for sharing your website.

  22. I just want to say I am just very new to blogs and really savored you’re website. Probably I’m going to bookmark your blog post . You absolutely have awesome articles and reviews. Bless you for sharing your webpage.

  23. I simply want to tell you that I am beginner to blogging and definitely liked this web-site. Very likely I’m likely to bookmark your blog . You certainly have wonderful posts. Thanks a bunch for sharing your web site.

  24. I just want to mention I am beginner to blogging and definitely savored this page. Almost certainly I’m want to bookmark your blog post . You surely have incredible articles and reviews. Bless you for revealing your blog site.

  25. I just want to tell you that I’m new to blogging and definitely loved you’re blog. Likely I’m planning to bookmark your blog . You surely come with great articles and reviews. With thanks for sharing with us your web site.

  26. I simply want to tell you that I am just beginner to weblog and definitely savored this web-site. Very likely I’m want to bookmark your blog post . You absolutely come with superb articles and reviews. Thanks a bunch for sharing with us your web-site.

  27. I simply want to tell you that I’m beginner to blogging and site-building and definitely liked this web blog. Likely I’m going to bookmark your blog . You definitely have superb stories. Thanks for revealing your website.

  28. I just want to tell you that I am just all new to blogging and site-building and really loved your blog. Probably I’m going to bookmark your blog post . You definitely come with tremendous articles and reviews. Kudos for revealing your web page.

  29. I just want to tell you that I’m all new to blogs and really loved this blog site. Probably I’m planning to bookmark your site . You really come with awesome posts. Thanks for revealing your web-site.

  30. I simply want to say I’m very new to blogs and actually liked your blog. Probably I’m likely to bookmark your website . You really come with amazing article content. Thanks for sharing with us your blog.

  31. I simply want to mention I am just very new to blogs and seriously enjoyed this page. Most likely I’m going to bookmark your blog . You certainly come with terrific stories. Thank you for revealing your webpage.

  32. I simply want to say I am very new to blogging and definitely liked your page. Likely I’m planning to bookmark your site . You actually come with tremendous stories. Thanks for revealing your blog.

  33. I simply want to say I am just very new to blogs and truly savored your page. Almost certainly I’m going to bookmark your blog . You actually have beneficial writings. Regards for sharing your web page.

  34. I simply want to say I am very new to weblog and certainly savored your page. Most likely I’m want to bookmark your blog . You surely have outstanding article content. Many thanks for sharing with us your website.

  35. I just want to say I am beginner to blogging and really enjoyed you’re web site. More than likely I’m planning to bookmark your blog . You definitely have fantastic articles. Thanks a lot for sharing with us your website page.

  36. Thanks For Your Valuable Share. Waiting For Your Next Article….

  37. Like ants eating a bone.

  38. It’s actually a nice and helpful piece of information. I am glad that you shared this helpful information with us. Please keep us up to date like this. Thanks for sharing.

  39. Thank You OP For Your Valuabe Share & Definitely It Will Be Help My Next Project. I am Waiting For Your Next Share. Thanks A Lot Again

  40. Discretion is the better part of valour.

  41. Touche. Sound arguments. Keep up the amazing effort.|

  42. Pretty! This has been a really wonderful post. Thanks for providing this info.|

  43. Yes! Finally something about %keyword1%.|

  44. WOW Awesome Share…Thank You Very Much.

  45. I’m not that much of a internet reader to be honest but your blogs really nice, keep it up! I’ll go ahead and bookmark your site to come back later. All the best|

  46. Hey! This post could not be written any better! Reading through this post reminds me of my previous room mate! He always kept talking about this. I will forward this post to him. Fairly certain he will have a good read. Many thanks for sharing!|

  47. I think that is among the most significant information for me. And i am satisfied reading your article. However should remark on some normal issues, The web site style is perfect, the articles is truly excellent : D. Excellent task, cheers|

  48. Just want to say your article is as astounding. The clearness in your submit is simply cool and that i can think you are an expert on this subject. Fine together with your permission let me to clutch your feed to keep updated with forthcoming post. Thank you a million and please keep up the rewarding work.|

  49. Thanks for the auspicious writeup. It in fact was once a enjoyment account it. Glance complex to more added agreeable from you! By the way, how could we keep up a correspondence?|

  50. credit reports May 2, 2015 at 11:51 am

    My spouse and I absolutely love your blog and find almost all of your post’s to be precisely what I’m looking for. Do you offer guest writers to write content for you personally? I wouldn’t mind producing a post or elaborating on a lot of the subjects you write in relation to here. Again, awesome web site!|

  51. It is the best time to make a few plans for the long run and it’s time to be happy. I’ve learn this submit and if I could I desire to recommend you some interesting things or suggestions. Maybe you can write subsequent articles regarding this article. I wish to learn even more things about it!|

  52. There is definately a great deal to find out about this issue. I love all of the points you’ve made.|

  53. If you are going for best contents like myself, only go to see this web page all the time as it gives quality contents, thanks|

  54. Very rapidly this web page will be famous among all blogging and site-building visitors, due to it’s good posts|

  55. Can I simply say what a relief to discover an individual who truly understands what they’re talking about on the net. You definitely know how to bring a problem to light and make it important. More people ought to look at this and understand this side of the story. I was surprised you are not more popular because you definitely have the gift.|

  56. Hey! I know this is kinda off topic but I’d figured I’d ask. Would you be interested in trading links or maybe guest authoring a blog article or vice-versa? My website addresses a lot of the same subjects as yours and I think we could greatly benefit from each other. If you might be interested feel free to send me an email. I look forward to hearing from you! Terrific blog by the way!|

  57. Quality articles or reviews is the important to attract the users to go to see the website, that’s what this web page is providing.|

  58. I’m amazed, I have to admit. Seldom do I encounter a blog that’s both educative and engaging, and let me tell you, you’ve hit the nail on the head. The issue is something too few men and women are speaking intelligently about. I’m very happy that I found this during my hunt for something relating to this.|

  59. Hello friends, fastidious post and good arguments commented at this place, I am actually enjoying by these.|

  60. Howdy this is kinda of off topic but I was wondering if blogs use WYSIWYG editors or if you have to manually code with HTML. I’m starting a blog soon but have no coding know-how so I wanted to get advice from someone with experience. Any help would be enormously appreciated!|

  61. Hey I know this is off topic but I was wondering if you knew of any widgets I could add to my blog that automatically tweet my newest twitter updates. I’ve been looking for a plug-in like this for quite some time and was hoping maybe you would have some experience with something like this. Please let me know if you run into anything. I truly enjoy reading your blog and I look forward to your new updates.|

  62. Appreciation to my father who informed me regarding this web site, this webpage is actually awesome.|

  63. hey there and thank you for your info – I’ve definitely picked up something new from right here. I did however expertise a few technical issues using this site, as I experienced to reload the site many times previous to I could get it to load correctly. I had been wondering if your hosting is OK? Not that I’m complaining, but slow loading instances times will sometimes affect your placement in google and can damage your high quality score if ads and marketing with Adwords. Well I am adding this RSS to my e-mail and could look out for a lot more of your respective fascinating content. Make sure you update this again soon.|

  64. I savor, lead to I found just what I was taking a look for. You have ended my 4 day long hunt! God Bless you man. Have a great day. Bye|

  65. Hi there i am kavin, its my first time to commenting anyplace, when i read this article i thought i could also create comment due to this brilliant paragraph.|

  66. You’re so awesome! I don’t suppose I’ve read something like that before. So good to find someone with genuine thoughts on this issue. Seriously.. many thanks for starting this up. This site is something that is needed on the internet, someone with a bit of originality!|

  67. I do not even understand how I ended up right here, but I believed this post used to be good. I don’t understand who you’re but certainly you’re going to a well-known blogger in the event you are not already. Cheers!|

  68. Thank you a bunch for sharing this with all people you actually know what you are talking approximately! Bookmarked. Kindly additionally visit my site =). We may have a link exchange arrangement among us|

  69. With havin so much written content do you ever run into any issues of plagorism or copyright infringement? My website has a lot of completely unique content I’ve either created myself or outsourced but it appears a lot of it is popping it up all over the web without my agreement. Do you know any ways to help prevent content from being ripped off? I’d certainly appreciate it.|

  70. It is appropriate time to make some plans for the future and it is time to be happy. I have learn this post and if I may I wish to suggest you some attention-grabbing things or advice. Perhaps you can write subsequent articles regarding this article. I desire to read even more things approximately it!|

  71. Your method of explaining everything in this piece of writing is actually nice, every one can effortlessly be aware of it, Thanks a lot.|

  72. Every weekend i used to pay a visit this site, as i wish for enjoyment, since this this web site conations actually nice funny material too.|

  73. Great site you have got here.. It’s difficult to find good quality writing like yours these days. I really appreciate people like you! Take care!!|

  74. Pretty nice post. I simply stumbled upon your weblog and wanted to mention that I have truly loved surfing around your weblog posts. In any case I will be subscribing on your rss feed and I am hoping you write once more soon!|

  75. Woah! I’m really digging the template/theme of this site. It’s simple, yet effective. A lot of times it’s very difficult to get that “perfect balance” between usability and appearance. I must say you have done a amazing job with this. In addition, the blog loads extremely quick for me on Opera. Excellent Blog!|

  76. Hi, Neat post. There’s an issue together with your site in web explorer, could test this? IE still is the marketplace chief and a big component of other folks will pass over your wonderful writing because of this problem.|

  77. Magnificent web site. Lots of useful info here. I am sending it to a few friends ans additionally sharing in delicious. And of course, thank you in your sweat!|

Trackbacks and Pingbacks:

  1. HF signal decoder - May 1, 2015

    Looking around

    I like to look around the internet, often I will go to Digg and follow thru

  2. fix roll up new york - May 2, 2015

    Wikia

    Wika linked to this site

  3. Kitesurfing - March 7, 2016

    Its hard to find good help

    I am constantnly saying that its hard to get good help, but here is

  4. SHAZAM CONNER - July 21, 2016

    Looking around

    I like to browse in various places on the internet, regularly I will go to Digg and follow thru