I agree wholeheartedly. I feel my way through the stories I am drawn to write, and yes the big 'why' tends to come out in the mix through the writing process.
Yes! Thank you for this! My ideas for stories typically start with *characters* — and then imagining their relationships, what they'd do in certain circumstances, etc. *Why* I want to write about them — other than that "they seem cool" — just doesn't have a role at the beginning. Later, the story comes to have a point, a purpose, for the reader. But I don't know what it is at the beginning.
Like you mentioned, I usually don’t see the “theme” until the rewrite. Reading it through, I usually pick up on some thread and I tease it out a little more. My theory is that we are “involved” in some deeper thinking on some topics at the time of writing, and that thinking makes its way into the book subconsciously. Character having a conflict? Well, what’s that about? Usually the theme or something theme-related. Starting out wanting to “send a message” might take away some of the fun.
I'm completely onside with allowing creative intuition to take over. Often I don't know what I have to say until I've already said it. And I think that superimposing a theme over your creative work is fine as an exercise, but the story I want to tell and the one the reader takes away might be completely different. Everyone has their own lens—mine is likely covered in smudges!
I love this! My writing process is similar. I’ve always struggled with the “why” question, especially with thrillers. Ultimately, I want to create a puzzle readers will enjoy. I want to write the type of book I love reading. It’s only later that I can pinpoint deeper meanings I’ve unknowingly sprinkled in.
I agree wholeheartedly. I feel my way through the stories I am drawn to write, and yes the big 'why' tends to come out in the mix through the writing process.
So much wisdom here, thanks so much for sharing.
Yes! Thank you for this! My ideas for stories typically start with *characters* — and then imagining their relationships, what they'd do in certain circumstances, etc. *Why* I want to write about them — other than that "they seem cool" — just doesn't have a role at the beginning. Later, the story comes to have a point, a purpose, for the reader. But I don't know what it is at the beginning.
agree. I'm beginning an art project about 3 weeks into September. I know the how. I know the what.
the why is yet to be determined. I suspect I won't know it for quite awhile.
thanks for this.
Like you mentioned, I usually don’t see the “theme” until the rewrite. Reading it through, I usually pick up on some thread and I tease it out a little more. My theory is that we are “involved” in some deeper thinking on some topics at the time of writing, and that thinking makes its way into the book subconsciously. Character having a conflict? Well, what’s that about? Usually the theme or something theme-related. Starting out wanting to “send a message” might take away some of the fun.
Yes! I so agree about the deeper thinking.
Yes!! The truth lies in formlessness!
I'm completely onside with allowing creative intuition to take over. Often I don't know what I have to say until I've already said it. And I think that superimposing a theme over your creative work is fine as an exercise, but the story I want to tell and the one the reader takes away might be completely different. Everyone has their own lens—mine is likely covered in smudges!
Thanks for sharing your insights, Sara.
I love this! My writing process is similar. I’ve always struggled with the “why” question, especially with thrillers. Ultimately, I want to create a puzzle readers will enjoy. I want to write the type of book I love reading. It’s only later that I can pinpoint deeper meanings I’ve unknowingly sprinkled in.
So good! I've felt many of these same things myself but never could figure out how to put it into words! Thanks!