Most writers have a preference for one plot line over another. Some are Character-driven writers. Others are Action-driven writers. Some have strengths in both. Not many are Thematic-driven.
The deeper meaning of a story comes up out of the story itself over time. Thus, the Thematic Significance plot line is generally saved for the last or is either ignored or overlooked all together.
The more aware a writer is about their own personal themes, the more attuned the writer will be in the search for deeper meaning.
For an exercise to determine your own personal themes, go to:
http://www.blockbusterplots.com/tips.html
Recent testimonial from Florida:
“It is amazing how each session the plot, theme and content gets clearer and clearer as you direct me. The scenes I had the most resistant to reveal the most… I feel myself getting closer to a story line….and it is my story and it is not. because what I lived is not who I am….for the first time I am coming out of the closet…”
Martha,
One method that I employ is to make a calendar and put the various plot events on sticky notes. The sticky notes are so I can change them around if my plot needs change.
I figure out exactly how long it takes for any events to take place and what day of the week it is. I also know what the phases of the moon are for that year. Therefore if I need a dark night, it’ll either be a new moon or I’ll have cloud cover.
It’s me and my need for continuity. It’s a tool that has helped me tremendously for structure. Just thought I’d toss that tip out to you and your blog readers.
Martha,
Only found this blog yesterday through the links on Nathan Bransford’s site, and when I discovered it was you I was delighted. I’ve been novel writing for only three years and learning the craft has been a really steep learning curve (I’m just about to start querying). I have found the article at The Writer’s Store particularly useful. I’ve learned loads from everyone at The Writer’s Store, probably because I’m writing for children/young adults and try to write as visually as possible, but your articles have been particularly helpful both with structure and story. So I’d just like to say thanks for the articles and I’ll keep an eye on your blog.
Martha-
Thank you for sharing your wisdom on theme and giving a story depth. I have just finished the first draft of my mystery novel and am beginning to revise using your plot planner scene tracker. I have no idea what my theme is. Can you give me some ideas about how to tease it out? The characters are working out some conflicts besides the mystery, so I know there is some kind of theme about relationships. But what?
Thank you!
Mary
http://www.MaryCronkFarrell.com
Hi Linda,
What a terrific idea!
I advise using sticky notes on both the Plot Planner and the Scene Tracker in order to have more flexibility as the story reveals itself to the writer.
On the Scene Tracker, the second column ~~ date and setting is where most writers who employ the method slap a sticky note telling the date, which includes the time of day, day of week, and season, etc.
You must be like me and lots of other writers I work with in that you benefit from visual aids beyond the words to help you bring coherence and continuity to your stories.
Thanks for the tips!!
fondly,
martha
Hi Peter,
What a thrill to know my blog was mentioned on Nathan’s blog. I really respect Nathan Bransford as an agent and am pleased that someone took the time to list Plot Whisperer for Writers and Readers blog as one of their favorite book/publishing blogs!
Ah, the interconnectedness of the internet.
I wouldn’t have known about it if it wasn’t for you, Peter. So, thank you!
Congratulations on reaching the point in your writing to begin the query process. You must be very proud of yourself!
I love Writers Store. They have been so good to me and so helpful to so many writers. If others haven’t checke out their online store, I encourage you to take a moment.
Thanks again for your kind words, Peter. And great good luck with your story!!
Sincerely,
Martha