Mike JohnstonTopics Are Not Themes: Part IIMany writers start with nothing but a topic, and the theme emerges as they write — birthed from the story. Never start writing without a…Aug 31, 2020Aug 31, 2020
Mike JohnstonTopics Are Not Themes Part IThere are topics, and then there are themes. The following is a list of topics:Aug 24, 2020Aug 24, 2020
Mike JohnstonHow Subplots Illuminate ThemeSome writers can pen eloquent scene descriptions. Some can build rich characters with crisp dialogue. Still others are masters of plot. You…Aug 18, 2020Aug 18, 2020
Mike JohnstonScenes With and Without a ThemeThe following are two different ways to write the same scene. One deals with the theme “why people lie.” The other does not. They’re both…Aug 10, 2020Aug 10, 2020
Mike JohnstonHow to Spot the Theme of Your StoryWhat did the protagonist learn at the end of the story?Aug 3, 2020Aug 3, 2020
Mike JohnstonThe Most Common Question About ThemeWhen I raise the topic of theme, the most common question writers ask me is this: What’s the theme of my story?Jul 27, 2020Jul 27, 2020
Mike JohnstonWhat Does the Theme Do for Your Story?The theme tells you how to design your characters.Jul 20, 2020Jul 20, 2020
Mike JohnstonHow to Write Theme into ScenesHere’s how to tell whether your theme is working.Jul 13, 2020Jul 13, 2020
Mike JohnstonHow Do You Create a Strong Theme?Your theme is the connective tissue between the internal and external needs of your protagonist. Allow me to translate.Jul 6, 2020Jul 6, 2020
Mike JohnstonWhat is Theme?The theme is the central controlling idea of your story. It’s why you decided to write it. And that’s why it’s so personal to a writer.Jun 30, 2020Jun 30, 2020
