Writing Theme

Theme—the mysterious cousin of plot and character. Too often viewed as abstract rather than actionable, theme is frequently misunderstood and left to chance. Some writers even insist theme should not be purposefully implemented. This is unfortunate, because in many ways theme is story. Theme is the heart, the meaning, the point. Nothing that important should be overlooked. Powerful themes are never incidental. They emerge from the conjunction of strong plots and resonant character arcs.

Why do some books linger in memory long after they are over? Why are some books reread, recommended, shared in the classroom? How can you add your book to this distinguished company? The key is theme, giving your story a dynamic idea that lends it power and purpose. William Bernhardt explains what theme is, how it is best revealed, and how to find the theme that, handled correctly, will distinguish your book from all the others. Plus, in the final chapter, Bernhardt explains how your book can have a positive impact on the world in which you live.

“I loved this book. It’s beautiful. I thought about it so much after I read it.” —Sarah Jessica Parker “It’s a stunner.” —Publishers Weekly (starred review) From award-winning South African author Nadia Davids comes a gothic psychological thriller set in the 1920s, where a young...

THE NEW YORK TIMES BOOK REVIEW EDITORS' CHOICE Written in the form of a letter to his ailing father, this debut memoir from the bestselling author of The Silver Linings Playbook explores the complicated burden of caring for an abusive parent who is dying—here is Matthew Quick’s most...

Gotham Writers' Workshop has mastered the art of teaching the craft of writing in a way that is practical, accessible, and entertaining. Now the techniques of this renowned school are available in this audiobook. Once you've listened—and written—your way through this book, you'll have a command of craft that will enable you to turn your ideas into effective short stories and novels. You will be a writer.

Following the success of several recent inspirational and practical books for would-be writers, Poemcrazy is a perfect guide for everyone who ever wanted to write a poem but was afraid to try. Writing workshop leader Susan Wooldridge shows how to think, use one's senses, and practice exercises that will make poems more likely to happen.

Crafting Immersive Fiction: A Comprehensive Guide is the ultimate resource for writers eager to create stories that captivate from start to finish. Whether you're a new writer or a seasoned author, this guide offers the tools you need to craft unforgettable fiction. What’s Inside: Core Elements of Storytelling: Develop complex characters, authentic voices, and engaging arcs. Understand plot structure, from exposition to resolution, and how to balance themes and subtext to deepen your narrative. Building Conflict and Stakes: Master the art of tension, conflict, and pacing to keep readers ...

Dive into the captivating world of "Poetry Unleashed" and embark on a transformative journey through the mesmerizing power of words. This enchanting anthology invites readers to experience the raw emotions, evocative imagery, and profound insights found within the artistry of poetry. Within the pages of "Poetry Unleashed," you will discover a diverse collection of poems that explore the depth and breadth of the human experience. From the bittersweet melodies of love and heartbreak to the triumphant verses of resilience and self-discovery, each poem unveils a new facet of our shared humanity...

Ayn Rand discusses how a writer combines abstract ideas with concrete action and description to achieve a unity of theme, plot, characterization, and style, the four essential elements of fiction. Here, too, are Rand's illuminating analyses of passages from famous writers, rewrites of scenes from her own works, and fascinating rules for building dramatic plots and characters with depth.

Rand takes listeners step by step through the writing process, providing insightful observations and invaluable techniques along the way. She discusses the psychological aspects of writing and the roles played by the conscious and subconscious mind. She talks about articles and books, explaining how to select a subject and theme, how to identify your audience, and how to write the first draft.

“Dear Mama: An Immigrant’s Secret Cry” is a secret tear flowing from an immigrant’s heart. It’s the tear that is hidden from mama for many years while settling in a land away from home. It feels better when it finally flows. These poems depict lacks and memories, struggles and hardships, as well as hopes, promises, potential, and empowerment. Some of these pieces were recently published world-wide. Due to an excellent readership, the author was compelled to extend and compile this book.

Is it too late to regenerate the earth? Call of the Reed Warbler shows the way forward for the future of our food supply, our Australian landscape and our planet. This ground-breaking book will change the way we think of, farm and grow food. Author and radical farmer Charles Massy explores...

Have you started a novel, only to get part way into the manuscript and find yourself stuck? Or do you have an idea for a novel, but aren't sure where to begin? Have you completed a first draft, but feel it doesn't quite have the luster of professional writing?

Not all GRE Issue topics feel equally familiar—but any of them can appear on test day. This book helps you prepare for the Issue Task by understanding the themes behind the entire ETS topic pool. ETS has published the full GRE Analytical Writing Issue Task topic pool: 157 prompts spanning education, society, government, culture, technology, and more. Some topics feel intuitive across backgrounds, while others can seem unfamiliar or abstract—especially under timed test conditions. On GRE Analytical Writing II: Issue Topics That Matter is designed for students who want to be prepared for ...

NATIONAL BESTSELLER * NAMED A BEST BOOK OF THE YEAR BY NPR “To read Maggie Smith is to embrace the achingly precious beauty of the present moment.” —Time “A captivating collection from a wise, accessible poet.” —People From the award-winning poet and bestselling author of You Could...

Words of a Feather is a stunning collection of Short Stories, Poems and Sketches from author, Robert E. Kearns. There's something inside for every taste, and Words of a Feather comes packed with hours of reading pleasure. Replete with entertainment, there is sure to be laughs, tears, spills and thrills. Satisfying pleasures of the mind, Words of a Feather is a book you'll want to read again and again.

How does a kid whose father builds a hot tub four feet wide and six feet deep end up designing the control systems for the world's biggest theme parks—and then, in his seventies, start arguing about book titles with an AI? Curious by Design is the story of Steve Alcorn, an engineer who spent forty years making sure the magic worked—and somehow managed to avoid taking himself too seriously. Not the kind of magic that needs fairy dust. The kind that needs a Z80 processor, a Binloop, and someone willing to sit in an equipment room at three in the morning wondering why a five-ton theater ...

What kind of cyclist decides to follow an invisible line that controls global time? The kind who enjoys a cycling adventure with a side order of British history, questionable navigation and the occasional existential wobble. In Straight Lines and Bad Ideas, I set out to bike tour the Greenwich Meridian from the rugged east coast of England to the English Channel. On a map it’s a perfectly straight line. In reality it’s hills, hedgerows, medieval battlefields, Cold War paranoia, Roman roads, wandering Napoléon references and a stubborn refusal to stay flat when you really need it to. ...

The author of over 100 titles, take Matt Shaw's hand and let him guide you through his writing process, sharing formatting tips, writing tactics and secrets that have helped him reach the elusive number one spot on numerous occasions. And then - when you're done - take the tips you want, adapt them to your needs and release your work... And then start that difficult second book... Rinse and repeat...