Writing Excuses Writing Excuses Season 2 Episode 12: Theme
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Dec 29, 2008 The hosts discuss the definition and significance of theme in storytelling, debating the role it should play in writing. They explore how themes emerge organically and debate the question of meaning in fiction. They also delve into the role of theme in genre fiction, particularly science fiction stories.
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Theme as Story's Soul
- Theme is the soul of a story, representing what it means.
- Examples include themes of faith, redemption, and overcoming odds in classic tales.
Different Approaches to Theme
- Writing theme consciously varies by author; some don't think about it much.
- Dan Wells plans theme cautiously to avoid overpowering story, while Brandon Sanderson develops theme alongside character growth.
Theme Through Character and Series
- Themes can evolve through characters and across books to explore ideas from multiple viewpoints.
- Sanderson expands themes by adding new characters reacting to the theme differently in sequels and related works.