Black List writers on the craft: Theme

“Every writer has their own life experiences, their own point of view, so the way they see the world often dictates the theme.”

Over the years, I have interviewed over 50 Black List screenwriters. Over the next four weeks, I am running a series featuring one topic per week related to the craft of writing.

This week: How do you understand and work with the concept of Theme?

The diversity of responses among the Black List writers I have interviewed is fascinating. Monday, we explored various articulations of what “theme” is. Tuesday, we looked at some writers who begin the story-crafting process with theme. Wednesday, we hear from writers who discover theme during the writing process. Thursday, we considered writers who carry a concern about theme: Not to come off as “preachy”. Friday, writers who emphasize the importance of theme being personal. Here are links to each article:

Part 1 — What is theme?

Part 2 — Begin the story-crafting process with theme

Part 3 — Discover theme during the writing process

Part 4 — Not come off as “preachy”

Part 5 — Being personal

For more Black List Writers on the Craft articles, go here.