Write Your Novel
Step by Step


By Melanie Anne Phillips
Creator of StoryWeaver

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For Story

Structure


Story Structure

Library


Videos on

Structure



For Story

Development


Writing

Tips

Library


Articles on Writing






Read the Science Fiction Thriller

From the founder of Storymind

Man Made follows a mysterious force as it sweeps around the globe erasing anything man made - from buildings, vehicles, and technology to medicines, clothing, and dental work.

Governments stagger under the panic, religions are at a loss for an explanation, scientists strive for any means to stop or divert the phenomenon, and the world’s population from families to individuals struggle to prepare for The Event, which will drive humanity back beyond the stone age.

The Event is coming.

Are you prepared?

Copyright Melanie Anne Phillips


Storymind

Free Writing Resources

~ Step 120 ~



Establishing The Thematic Topic – Act One


The thematic topic is the subject matter of your story, such as "death," or "man's inhumanity to man."  No matter what topic you will be exploring, it will contain large issues, small issues, and everything in between.


In act one, you need to introduce and establish your theme so that your audience gets a sense of the kinds of issues you'll be exploring.  There are three different approaches you might take.


1.  You could outline the scope of your subject matter with one or more large, definitive dramatic moments.   Then, in acts two and three, you would gradually fill in smaller and smaller details, adding nuance and shading to the overall topic as the story progresses.  This system is best when trying to apply topics that are often seen objectively or impersonally to everyday life.


2.  Conversely, you could begin with the details in act one, then move to larger concerns as the story progresses.  This is a good way to elevate topics dealing with commonplace, mundane, or work-a-day issues to philosophical or global importance.


3.  Finally, you could mix it up, presenting a blend of issues ranging from the large to the small in every act.  This creates a feeling that the topic is an area to explore, rather than a statement to be understood.


No matter which method you use, it needs to be set up in act one.  So, look over the examples you've already developed to illustrate your thematic topic, determine which of the three approaches you wish to take, and then list the specific illustrations that you’d like to present in act one to establish that approach.