Many times new writers set out on the journey of writing their first book with excitement and a good bit of planning. However, there is a common trap that some of us fall into, especially when we are new to the writing process. It’s easy to overlook the difference between plot and theme when you set out to write your story. It’s easy to spot when you’re reading a book, but sometimes it’s a bit more of a challenge when you start the writing process.
It may sound elementary, but it is certainly not. If you are reading this before you’ve actually started the writing process then consider your plot and theme for one more day before writing, but by all means take as long as you need.
Here’s the simple difference. Plot IS your storyline. It is how your story unfolds and comes alive on the pages of your book. Events that happen, what your characters are facing and their ensuing adventures…these are all part of your plot. The theme of your story is the thoughts or emotions that are being dealt with. Common themes are love, revenge, perseverance, war, etc… Theme is the “moral of the story,” it is the underlying message that you are trying to convey to your reader. Themes are important because they solidify your story. They make it more meaningful than just telling a story.
What is the theme of your book? What are you trying to leave in the hearts and minds of your reader when they put your book down?
I pride myself on being well read. One of the most recent literary fascinations of mine has been Jack Kerouac. After reading The Dharma Bums I took some time to reflect on the theme of the book. I’ll not offer any spoilers here, but read that book if you haven’t. So over the past couple of years I’ve been in love with the theme of “the place where you lose yourself and find yourself.” That was where the journey took the characters in Pot of Gold, one of my own books. The theme, if you want to assign it one word, was perseverance. Keep on with the journey and trust that it will lead to good things, even when your frustration level is maxed and you feel like giving up. How often have you come across that theme in books that you love?
So think about what theme is best for your story. Mull it over for a day or two before you start banging on your keyboard. A strong theme can be the difference between a good story and a great one.
It may sound elementary, but it is certainly not. If you are reading this before you’ve actually started the writing process then consider your plot and theme for one more day before writing, but by all means take as long as you need.
Here’s the simple difference. Plot IS your storyline. It is how your story unfolds and comes alive on the pages of your book. Events that happen, what your characters are facing and their ensuing adventures…these are all part of your plot. The theme of your story is the thoughts or emotions that are being dealt with. Common themes are love, revenge, perseverance, war, etc… Theme is the “moral of the story,” it is the underlying message that you are trying to convey to your reader. Themes are important because they solidify your story. They make it more meaningful than just telling a story.
What is the theme of your book? What are you trying to leave in the hearts and minds of your reader when they put your book down?
I pride myself on being well read. One of the most recent literary fascinations of mine has been Jack Kerouac. After reading The Dharma Bums I took some time to reflect on the theme of the book. I’ll not offer any spoilers here, but read that book if you haven’t. So over the past couple of years I’ve been in love with the theme of “the place where you lose yourself and find yourself.” That was where the journey took the characters in Pot of Gold, one of my own books. The theme, if you want to assign it one word, was perseverance. Keep on with the journey and trust that it will lead to good things, even when your frustration level is maxed and you feel like giving up. How often have you come across that theme in books that you love?
So think about what theme is best for your story. Mull it over for a day or two before you start banging on your keyboard. A strong theme can be the difference between a good story and a great one.
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