Category Archives: Theme

Finding an Idea for a Theme

Posted on June 17, 2017 by Melanie Anne Phillips

Every story benefits from a theme – a concept of life that is explored over the course of the narrative. Finding a theme of interest to you as an author is easier than you think.  In this age of social … Continue reading →

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How to Structure Your Story’s Theme

Posted on May 17, 2017 by Melanie Anne Phillips

By Melanie Anne Phillips Your thematic message (moral of the story) has two sides: the Issue and the Counterpoint. The Issue is the human quality under examination in your story (such as greed) and the Counterpoint is the opposite trait … Continue reading →

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Coming Apart at the Themes

Posted on May 10, 2017 by Melanie Anne Phillips

Even when a story has memorable characters, a riveting plot and a fully developed genre, it may still be coming apart at the themes. Theme is perhaps the most powerful, yet least understood element of story structure. It is powerful … Continue reading →

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Both Sides of Your Thematic Argument

Posted on May 10, 2017 by Melanie Anne Phillips

Every powerful theme pits a “Message Issue” against a “Counterpoint”, such as “Greed vs. Generosity”, or “Holding On To Hope” vs. “Abandoning Hope”. The Message Issue and Counterpoint define the thematic argument of your story. They play both sides of … Continue reading →

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Coming Apart at the Themes

Posted on June 20, 2014 by Melanie Anne Phillips

Even when a story has memorable characters, a riveting plot and a fully developed genre, it may still be coming apart at the themes.  Theme is perhaps the most powerful, yet least understood element of story structure. It is powerful … Continue reading →

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Developing Your Theme

Posted on December 20, 2013 by Melanie Anne Phillips

Write Your Novel Step by Step Go to Table of Contents Steps 58 – 61 Developing Your Theme ~ Step 58 ~ Counterpoint For every human quality, there is the opposite quality. For example, greed is balanced by generosity, denial … Continue reading →

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Discovering Your Thematic Topic

Posted on October 2, 2013 by Melanie Anne Phillips

Write Your Novel Step By Step Step 27 – Your Thematic Topic In this step, you’ll explore how a thematic topic provides the glue to hold your characters, plot and theme together. Then, you’ll identify the best candidates for a … Continue reading →

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Coming Apart At The Themes

Posted on August 20, 2013 by Melanie Anne Phillips

Read it here for free or get it on Kindle for $0.99 Even when a story has memorable characters, a riveting plot and a fully developed genre, it may still be coming apart at the themes. Theme is perhaps the most powerful, … Continue reading →

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Storytelling Tip: Trapped in a Routine

Posted on June 15, 2013 by Melanie Anne Phillips

As with real people, characters can become trapped in their routines. When a person sets up a routine in order to achieve a goal, service the infrastructure of his or her life, cope with an emotional necessity, or engage in … Continue reading →

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A Few Words About Theme

Posted on April 4, 2013 by Melanie Anne Phillips

Over the last twenty-five years, I’ve written thousands of articles on story structure and storytelling.  Here, I’ve gathered together a few of the best on the topic of theme.  I hope you find them illuminating in concept and practical in … Continue reading →

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