AuthorHi, I'm Ray Evans. I'm a certified copyeditor and proofreader. Archives
September 2023
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Hey there, fellow word connoisseurs! Now, if you're an author diving headfirst into the chaotic ocean of fiction writing, let me tell you, the last thing you need is a story that's as flat as a pancake, right? So let's chat about how to deepen your narrative, how to lace it with meaning like you're embroidering a fancy handkerchief for your grandma's birthday. Buckle up, folks, we're about to plunge into the theme pool! 1: Finding Your Theme, or The Great Theme HuntYou know, the first step in weaving deeper meaning into your story is akin to that famous quote from the movie 'Field of Dreams', "If you build it, they will come." Here, replace "it" with "themes." Identifying your theme is like finding the North Star in a sky filled with celestial bodies. Maybe it's an examination of the human condition, maybe it's about resilience, or heck, it could even be about the ceaseless pursuit of the perfect cup of coffee. Look into the heart of your story, and you'll find the theme waving back. 2: Nurturing Your Theme, or How to Grow Your Theme BeanstalkNow, once you've located your theme, treat it like a rare species of orchid or a sourdough starter. You've got to feed it, nurture it, give it room to grow. Develop your theme by weaving it into the plot, the characters' development, and their dialogue. Like a talented sous-chef, sprinkle it subtly throughout your narrative. 3: Displaying Your Theme, or The Art of the Theme PeacockNow, it's time to show off your theme. Like a well-prepared Thanksgiving turkey, it's got to be right in the center. But remember, subtlety is the key. Nobody wants to be hit over the head with a theme wrapped in a metaphorical brick. It's all about the gentle nudge, the subtle hint, the soft whisper. Create moments within your story that reflect your theme, and let it organically seep into your readers' consciousness. 4: Repeating Your Theme, or The Theme MantraRepetition can be a great tool, if you're not making a mixtape for your high-school sweetheart. Use symbolic motifs, recurring characters, or repeated phrases to echo your theme. Like a catchy pop song, you want your theme to stick in your readers' minds long after they've closed the book. 5: Resolving Your Theme, or The Theme DenouementAs your story draws to a close, so should the exploration of your theme. This doesn't mean wrapping it
up with a neat little bow - life is seldom so accommodating. But you want to offer some resolution, some satisfaction to your readers that their investment in your theme was worthwhile. Remember, authors, infusing your fiction with a resonant theme isn't just the cherry on top of the literary sundae, it's the hot fudge, the sprinkles, and the whipped cream. It's what makes your story more than just words on a page, but a narrative that lingers, like a haunting melody or the aftertaste of a fine wine. Now, get out there and start exploring your themes!
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