When we write, do we have a theme we write about right off the bat or do we just start to write and have no clue what that theme is. Most of the time when I’m writing on this site, I have no clue what the theme will be when I begin to write my thoughts down. It’s not until after I’ve written everything down and then thought about what was just written I realize what that theme was. It’s how I decide to come up with a title.
On my 365 day writing journey, the theme each day has basically been chosen for me. However, when it came to the fiction book I’m writing, the only idea I knew when I started it was that my main character had gotten into an accident with her husband and two children and she was the only survivor. Did I have any clue where the story was going to go from there. Not really. Obviously she’d have to deal with the loss of her family. But what else? Was that just going to be a prologue and I’d tell the story years later? Or would the story continue on from the moment the accident happened? I didn’t have a clue.
However, as time has moved on, I’ve learned a lot about the fiction writing craft and what you need to write a good story. I’ve outlined my book two times as I’m in the middle of a major rewrite right now (if you couldn’t tell, I’m a plotter or as my friend would say that I’m a plotter on steroids LOL). I know that my story is now about a woman who has to come to terms with this major tragedy in her life and how she blames God for everything. How does she cope? How does she get through? All of those questions are answered now. I know my theme. But when you start, it might not necessarily be true. The thing to remember is to not worry about it. It will come when the time is right. Just write and let the chips fall where they may. (I know, a total clique but I couldn’t help it.)
Do you have a hard time figuring out your theme when you write or does it come to you right away?
