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.

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.

This study explores how contemporary Canadian Prairie women poets negotiate the silences, gaps, and margins surrounding maternal experience through innovative writing strategies. The audiobook examines how poets from the Prairie provinces challenge dominant narratives of motherhood, giving voice to experiences often excluded from literary and cultural discourse—including maternal ambivalence, loss, Indigenous mothering, queer mothering, and the intersections of motherhood with labor, landscape, and identity.

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.

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—this is Matthew Quick’s most personal and potent work to date. On the surface...

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.

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.

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?

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

Crystal Raindrops is a moving collection of poems that reflect unspoken pain, silent struggles, and the journey toward healing. The umbrella symbolizes protection, strength, and empowerment through life’s darkest storms. Each poem carries a story meant to inspire forgiveness, mindfulness, self-love, and confidence. This book is a reminder that no one is truly alone. Even in the heaviest downpour, there is hope, growth, and the promise of a rainbow beyond the clouds.

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.