Lessons on Theme That Actually Matter

[Story_Marc]

So, I hate when most people bring up theme because they just use it in the sense of "topic." Which is near useless and more counterproductive. Plus there are all the issues with people who get blindsided by theme and just... here, I decided to address this topic in my newest one, to give what should be a practical breakdown on the topic.

 

[Envylope]

Really good video.

 

[Iamnotabot]

Marc you bastard, i miss your voice man. came back with another banger just in time for new year

 

[Ilikewaterkusa]

So, I hate when most people bring up theme because they just use it in the sense of "topic." Which is near useless and more counterproductive. Plus there are all the issues with people who get blindsided by theme and just... here, I decided to address this topic in my newest one, to give what should be a practical breakdown on the topic.

If I actually spell out what the theme of my story is, I would be dead by now.

 

[Story_Marc]

If I actually spell out what the theme of my story is, I would be dead by now.

If you can't simplify it to a simple statement, that sounds more like issues on your end. It's just a statement that gives your perspective on a topic. It isn't anything difficult.

 

[Ilikewaterkusa]

If you can't simplify it to a simple statement, that sounds more like issues on your end. It's just a statement that gives your perspective on a topic. It isn't anything difficult.

Nah. The message is so simple to a single statement, but it's just the message will get me killed by those type of people in the world.

 

[Story_Marc]

Nah. The message is so simple to a single statement, but it's just the message will get me killed by those type of people in the world.

Ahhhh! Gotcha!

Another reason why it helps to just explore as opposed to preach.

 

[QuercusMalus]

Thanks for this. I am starting an outline on a story I want to try and it was feeling slow. This will help. Gives me more to focus on to flesh out the outline.

 

[Story_Marc]

Thanks for this. I am starting an outline on a story I want to try and it was feeling slow. This will help. Gives me more to focus on to flesh out the outline.

Here you go, some additional help for outlining

 

[Ilikewaterkusa]

Ahhhh! Gotcha!

Another reason why it helps to just explore as opposed to preach.

Nah it isn't even preaching, it's just the greatest exploration of human nature and its role in reality.

 

[Sylver]

Maybe I'm writing it the wrong way, but for my stories I don't actually think about what the theme is I just write myself a good story that I hope other people like. I have one finished on another website and someone said it had plenty of themes that he enjoyed, so there is that. I guess that would be called a happy accident? It's not like I just write a bunch of jargon, I do have a story in mind with characters to develop and progress the story with. Themes are a paired result with writing, it just happens even if you aren't focused on it.

 

[Story_Marc]

Maybe I'm writing it the wrong way, but for my stories I don't actually think about what the theme is I just write myself a good story that I hope other people like. I have one finished on another website and someone said it had plenty of themes that he enjoyed, so there is that. I guess that would be called a happy accident? It's not like I just write a bunch of jargon, I do have a story in mind with characters to develop and progress the story with. Themes are a paired result with writing, it just happens even if you aren't focused on it.

You're not doing it wrong at all. As I've said in other videos, I don't recommend looking for theme immediately or so on. I outright say it happens organically, though I know how to recognize and refine it once it has happened.

Theme arises from character and it informs things like tone. I plan to do a concentrated deep dive later, but this serves as a good, clear intro to using it for those who want to.

 

[QuercusMalus]

Here you go, some additional help for outlining

Thank you for these. Got any on developing solid secondary characters?

 

[Story_Marc]

Thank you for these. Got any on developing solid secondary characters?

This is where my mind immediately goes on that topic, especially when I bring up the hierarchy of character importance (or whatever the hell I call it).