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.

The Mahabharata is one of the two major Sanskrit epics of ancient India. It is of immense importance to the culture of the Indian subcontinent and is a major text of Hinduism. Its discussion of human goals (artha or 'purpose', kama or 'pleasure', dharma or 'duty' and moksha or 'liberation') takes place in a long-standing tradition, attempting to explain the relationship of the individual to society and the world (the nature of the 'self') and the workings of karma.

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.

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.

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?

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.

Before he became an award-winning writer and poet, Brian Sonia-Wallace set up a typewriter on the street with a sign that said “Poetry Store” and discovered something surprising: All over America, people want poems. An amateur busker at first, Brian asked countless strangers, “What do you need a poem about?” To his surprise, passersby opened up to share their deepest yearnings, loves, and heartbreaks. Hundreds of them. Then thousands. Around the nation, Brian’s poetry crusade drew countless converts from all walks of life.

Years may pass after a listener has listened to your book, but one thing will remain with them. Yes, it is theme alright. Theme is what breathes life and meaning into your novel. It is what makes your novel something worth listened toing again; something worth remembering; something worth sharing. Some authors overlook theme… which isn’t a good thing. What seems to be a trivial matter really can make or break your story. And get this, whether you choose a theme or not, it will always be there no matter what.

For years, British journalist Cash Peters trekked around Europe and America visiting some of the tackiest attractions in the world for his hugely popular public-radio series, The Bad Taste Tours. But a guy can only take so much. Now, as Peters prepares to leave his travel-reporting days behind forever, he takes us along on some of the more ridiculous journeys and adventures of his career.

Did you ever want to swim with the fish? Of course you haven't, because you're free. Your life is so much different from mine. You see a sea of water, an ocean of freedom, a boundless expanse. You have no concept of life in a cage, where one can't see all this. But when you crave freedom, you dream, of submerging into the sea and swimming with the multicolored fish. The waves carry you, washing away the pain, and you are in no danger of drowning because of the great levity in your body.

I appreciate I am a fortunate person. I love to travel and I adore writing poems. Happily, I am able to combine the two in many of my poetry books. For this collection I travelled further and explored deeper than ever before. You can hold the results in your very hands. I always see my stories as glimpses into moments of time, rather like seeds trapped in amber, windows offering a view into past events and places I have been.

Journey to happiness through writing. This book of poetry chronicles my journey through the grief of the death of my soulmate to gratitude and then, surprisingly, happiness. As I wrote and sketched I realized that the words and images welled up from my soul, helped me understand my experience, and moved me forward into healing. There are five sections in the book: "The Power of Love", "Loss and Grief", "Healing Begins", "Gestation", and "Thriving'. I have included musings and prompts after each section to encourage listeners to write their own journey to happiness and even joy.

Writing Poems in the Sunlight is a collection of contemporary poems by Clifton King, an award winning Southern California poet. His poetry is direct, accessible, and suffused with imagery. His poems speak of love, death, the local beach, and everything in life that catches his eye.

31 Months in Japan: The Building of a Theme Park is the story of two Southern Californians embarking on the adventure of a lifetime - moving to Japan to participate in the construction of the Universal Studios Japan theme park.

Random Constructive Writings is a collection of poems about random topics. They are odd and different, and you never know what you are going to get with my writing.

A book of poetry that has simple text but engaging messages. A simple and easy way to tell someone you care, love, or understand them.

Within Trigger Warning lies a poetic memoir of writings and art from my journey living through a life afflicted by mental illness. Step into my mind to hear nearly 17 years of experiences and triggers. Enter at your own risk.

This audiobook is a collection of poetry and short stories that I’ve written throughout my childhood.