100 Things #004: Theme is a different beast. Or is it?

[myaru]

So, theme. Cutting the last post off here sort of inflated expectations for the theme post, so prepare to be disappointed. I only have a few things to say about it and none of them are particularly awesome. In fact, I can summarize everything I want to say in one sentence: I believe theme is an equal but separate force to elements of craft

Comments

[reynardfox]

It sounds to me like you do consider theme; it just happens to be a subconscious consideration, and one that you don't focus any real surface attention on. At least, that's what it seems like, since you say that it keeps popping up regardless.

I actually don't think I consider theme, either. Not even subconsciously. There's nothing really coherent in any of the stuff I write, and it gets frustrating after a while. I tend to focus on technical things like "voice" and pacing rather than the important things. Characters? There, and focused on, but not as much as I ought to. Plot? Out the window. Theme, or tone? Buh-bye.

Probably I should do some more formal writing to exercise those metaphorical muscles, to be perfectly honest. I've written for so long in a MUSH context that my skills at the "big picture" aspects are all but atrophied.

Apparently it's Alliteration Day, too.

[myaru]

Until recently I didn't look at theme, but I started to when revising one of my short stories, because it needed a stronger direction. That's the only use it honestly seems to have to me, since I'm not particularly concerned with sending a message - but I do want it to be consistent, because otherwise sharp readers will notice. :/

You've done a good job with those things in the past. Probably the biggest benefit of focusing more on plot would be curbing how much of a monster your next fic becomes. XD But even then, I can't guarantee it'll work. I've done plenty of plotting and still ended up with bloated monsters. XD

Eh, well, focusing on any one thing sort of atrophies other things, right? Unfortunately.

[reynardfox]

I'm usually pretty decent at figuring out some kind of tone, and being reasonably consistent with it, when I feel like using something like that for a story. For me the biggest stumbling block is "what do I do next?" and progressing the plot.

Yeah, more or less, and trying to focus on everything only drives you insane. Or severely hampers the story. Or both.

Somewhere between writing this comment and getting distracted by something else, I lost my original point.