Anne here, wishing all our Canadian friends a Happy Thanksgiving, or Joyeux Action de Graces. (photo Ruth P. Peterkin – Fotolia) 
I'm also hosting our monthly "Ask a Wench" feature, and this month the question we're responding to is: "Do you have any particular subjects or themes you often return to in your novels?"
Pat here: I do not set out to write themes, but if a reviewer asks me for the theme of my newest release, after some consideration, I’ll almost always say it’s a search for justice. And yes, I include the fight against prejudice under that heading, because that’s always a huge part of my books. Usually, it’s women seeking fair treatment.
In my Magic series, I give this a fantasy spin by making my women psychic—so rather than being treated badly just for their sex, they’re treated badly because they’re weird, which covers a lot of territory, including being female.
My men are almost always seeking justice for someone or something. I usually have a mystery/action element requiring a villain to be brought to justice, whether that person is a lawyer who defrauds, a contractor who cheats, or a killer to be caught. But in my latest series, there’s an underlying element of economic injustice, because that’s so much on my mind with the news these days. A writer’s mind is a sponge—it’s difficult for us to avoid absorbing the real world!
Nicola here: My timeslip novels tend to be inspired by “lost” figures from history, usually women who were so often a footnote in a male-dominated narrative or whose stories have been told in a particular way. I like shining a different light on them. A good example is Elizabeth, Queen of Bohemia, whose story I wrote in House of Shadows.
In the traditional reports on her life she is portrayed as the beautiful, charming and extravagant princess who pushed her husband into making a poor decision to accept the throne of Bohemia because she was motivate by the status of being a queen. So often her political and diplomatic skills are overlooked, as well as the fact that her court was a centre for culture. She and her daughters were all exceptional and fascinating women. I love the fact that in a lot of books nowadays women’s roles in all sorts of professions or ground-breaking work is starting to be recognised. I think I’ve always been inspired by this idea as in my earlier Regency historicals I loved writing about women in unusual professions or inspired by certain causes. All these stories are authentic and out there if we look for them!
I’ve also started to delve more into real-life historical mysteries as inspiration for my novels, having always been interested in the “detective” side of history, whether it’s digging into family history or reading up on different theories of who (if anyone) murdered the Princes in the Tower, which is the theme of my current wip. In terms of emotional and relationship themes, though, it often seems to be the “old flame” stories that attract me, as an author and a reader; the idea that there is unfinished business between two people gives so much scope for exploring events and emotions.
Andrea says: I think a core theme that seems to run though a lot of my books is loyalty, though it can take many guises: loyalty to friends and family, loyalty to concepts like truth and justice, and loyalty to one’s own integrity. I tend to write unconventional heroines and heroes, which in and of itself means they are questioning rules and structures. And as a mystery shapes the plot of each of my recent books, my characters are forced to butt up against difficult challenges in order to solve a conundrum. 
In testing my protagonists, I’ve found it really interesting to have them face just how far they are willing to go to discover the truth. How many personal sacrifices will they make? How vulnerable will they make themselves to others? What strengths can they draw on to overcome their fears and preconceptions? For me, raising the stakes to such an personal emotional level adds tension and a sense of urgency to a plot, and (hopefully) engages the reader in cheering for the good guys to triumph over evil, though the battle won’t be easy.
For example, in Murder at Kensington Palace, my latest Wrexford & Sloane mystery, Charlotte Sloane’s cousin and dear childhood friend is accused of killing his brother. She knows in her heart that he can’t have committed the crime, but to have any chance of proving it, she needs entrée into the gilded world of the beau monde. And so, Charlotte has a choice to make: she can open the glittering doors to a way of life she voluntarily left because she found its rules and values repugnant. But the key will come at the cost of putting her own hard-won life of independence in jeopardy. There are ways she can withdraw after the crime is solved, however they may threaten other precious newfound friendships. So, the decision is fraught with tangled complications. How can she be loyal to her own sense of self, and to those she loves?
Mary Jo here: My recurrent themes tend to be psychological and spiritual: trauma and second chances and becoming "stronger in the mended places." Forgiveness and reconciliation–and accepting that some relationships can never be reconciled.
An example of forgiveness is in my book Thunder and Roses. The hero, Nicholas, is mystified and deeply hurt when one of his closest friends, Michael, turns on him for reasons unknown. At the end of the story, when the mystery is solved, Nicholas is able to forgive his friend, and Michael uses that lesson in forgiveness in later books. (Shattered Rainbows and One Perfect Rose, to be precise.)
Another theme is strong women, and downtrodden women becoming stronger. As Nicola said, there have always been strong women even though they are often left out of the historical record. In romance, we create and celebrate such women. Often my heroines have been the objects of abuse and dominance by men. They must surmount that, and have the courage to trust enough to love better men. 
My recent release, Once a Spy, is an example of that. The heroine, Suzanne, was child bride to an arrogant and detached aristocrat, then later captured and enslaved in a Turkish harem. Not to mention being hit on by handsy married men when she settles in London. It's a real act of courage for her to marry Simon, who has some history with her, but has some demons of his own. They both commit to doing their best. By the end, they have a deep and loving marriage, and Suzanne is equal to anything!
Susan says: In my stories, I gravitate to themes that fascinate and intrigue me, such as healing and paranormal gifts, and also themes of rebellion and independence. Writing books set in historical Scotland gives me lots of possibilities for exploring those threads.
In Angel Knight and Lady Miracle, set in medieval Scotland, the hero of Angel Knight has a natural hands-on healing ability that he denies, while the heroine of Lady Miracle is a trained physician striving to hide her miraculous healing touch—misinterpreted as witchy by others. In both stories, as the characters learn to accept their abilities as gifts rather than curses, they also learn that loving another is the key to loving themselves as they are. And I had the chance to explore miraculous healing as well as medieval medicine. In my novella for Last Chance Christmas Ball, I went back to the healing theme with Dr. Henry Seton, a physician and lecturer in 19th century Scotland, who is stranded in a snowstorm with his former mentor’s daughter.
I’ve always been fascinated by rebels and rebellion, especially if it involves forest outlaws and fights for independence. My first book, The Black Thorne’s Rose, was set in 13th century England—with a forest outlaw hero fighting against injustice to regain his title and lands, and the rights of others. I’ve also created forest outlaws in Laird of the Wind and The Swan Maiden, and my heroes, more often than not, are a rebellious bunch, fighting for justice and independence against unfair oppression—Black Thorne’s Rose, Angel Knight, Laird of the Wind, The Swan Maiden, The Heather Moon, and others all feature heroes—and heroines—fighting for a cause to save the lands, rights, and lives of others.
And my newest books, soon to be released—Laird of Twilight, Laird of Secrets, and Laird of Rogues—are part of a new series called the Whisky Lairds, where the theme of rebellion takes the form of whisky smuggling in 19th century Scotland, done for the sake and survival of Highland Scots threatened by oppressive British tax laws. It’s whisky-smuggling heroes and heroines to the rescue, and I love writing about characters who live outside the norms of society, breaking rules for the best reasons, and finding strength in love as they make the world a little better in their corner of history. 
Anne here: I spent years at university studying English Lit and talking about themes and other literary matters, but when I first started writing, I didn't give a thought to themes; I was just trying to write the best book I could. Then a lovely American reader wrote to me about my first book with Berkley, The Perfect Rake, and she talked about the themes in the book. "Umm," I said, "I didn't really have any themes in mind." She wrote back and proceeded to explain the themes in my book — and to my amazement, she was right. She did it with several subsequent books too (The Perfect Waltz and The Perfect Stranger) and by then I understood that though it wasn't from any deliberate literary intent, there were definite themes in my work, albeit subconscious.
Since then I have become more aware of the theme or themes I'm exploring in a book, though it's often not until I'm three quarters of the way through writing a book that the theme becomes clear to me. It emerges from the characters and their concerns, and is never a deliberate choice on my part.
Looking back, the themes my books most often explore are to do with forgiveness—often self forgiveness, the redemptive power of love, and also issues of trust.
So, wenchly readers, do you notice themes in books? Are there any themes that particularly appeal to you? Any you dislike or avoid?
Anne, it’s so true how themes emerge from our unconscious minds and we can be the last to notice! I have an analytical reader friend who was a psychologist who would write me about the brilliance and depth of symbolism in my plots. Errr…really??
Another writer friend said that we never, ever get to the bottom of the primal issues we write about. So I guess we won’t run out of material!
Anne, it’s so true how themes emerge from our unconscious minds and we can be the last to notice! I have an analytical reader friend who was a psychologist who would write me about the brilliance and depth of symbolism in my plots. Errr…really??
Another writer friend said that we never, ever get to the bottom of the primal issues we write about. So I guess we won’t run out of material!
Anne, it’s so true how themes emerge from our unconscious minds and we can be the last to notice! I have an analytical reader friend who was a psychologist who would write me about the brilliance and depth of symbolism in my plots. Errr…really??
Another writer friend said that we never, ever get to the bottom of the primal issues we write about. So I guess we won’t run out of material!
Anne, it’s so true how themes emerge from our unconscious minds and we can be the last to notice! I have an analytical reader friend who was a psychologist who would write me about the brilliance and depth of symbolism in my plots. Errr…really??
Another writer friend said that we never, ever get to the bottom of the primal issues we write about. So I guess we won’t run out of material!
Anne, it’s so true how themes emerge from our unconscious minds and we can be the last to notice! I have an analytical reader friend who was a psychologist who would write me about the brilliance and depth of symbolism in my plots. Errr…really??
Another writer friend said that we never, ever get to the bottom of the primal issues we write about. So I guess we won’t run out of material!
I’m a romance junkie – I love me a love story. Historical is my favorite romance genre. I read a LOT of these books. So, of course, I tend to see the same themes over and over again.
What makes a story stand out for me is how well the story is told and how well the characters are developed and interact with each other. I’m not a real big fan of “action” (war, pirates, spies) but if the story is well told with well developed characters, I’ll enjoy the book.
I’m a romance junkie – I love me a love story. Historical is my favorite romance genre. I read a LOT of these books. So, of course, I tend to see the same themes over and over again.
What makes a story stand out for me is how well the story is told and how well the characters are developed and interact with each other. I’m not a real big fan of “action” (war, pirates, spies) but if the story is well told with well developed characters, I’ll enjoy the book.
I’m a romance junkie – I love me a love story. Historical is my favorite romance genre. I read a LOT of these books. So, of course, I tend to see the same themes over and over again.
What makes a story stand out for me is how well the story is told and how well the characters are developed and interact with each other. I’m not a real big fan of “action” (war, pirates, spies) but if the story is well told with well developed characters, I’ll enjoy the book.
I’m a romance junkie – I love me a love story. Historical is my favorite romance genre. I read a LOT of these books. So, of course, I tend to see the same themes over and over again.
What makes a story stand out for me is how well the story is told and how well the characters are developed and interact with each other. I’m not a real big fan of “action” (war, pirates, spies) but if the story is well told with well developed characters, I’ll enjoy the book.
I’m a romance junkie – I love me a love story. Historical is my favorite romance genre. I read a LOT of these books. So, of course, I tend to see the same themes over and over again.
What makes a story stand out for me is how well the story is told and how well the characters are developed and interact with each other. I’m not a real big fan of “action” (war, pirates, spies) but if the story is well told with well developed characters, I’ll enjoy the book.
I don’t consentrate on the themes as such, but I do notice them. As Mary T. said, I care about how well the story is tolld and about the deveopment and the actions of the characters. I also care about the motives of the characters, and that is when my interest in themes comes to my notice.
I don’t consentrate on the themes as such, but I do notice them. As Mary T. said, I care about how well the story is tolld and about the deveopment and the actions of the characters. I also care about the motives of the characters, and that is when my interest in themes comes to my notice.
I don’t consentrate on the themes as such, but I do notice them. As Mary T. said, I care about how well the story is tolld and about the deveopment and the actions of the characters. I also care about the motives of the characters, and that is when my interest in themes comes to my notice.
I don’t consentrate on the themes as such, but I do notice them. As Mary T. said, I care about how well the story is tolld and about the deveopment and the actions of the characters. I also care about the motives of the characters, and that is when my interest in themes comes to my notice.
I don’t consentrate on the themes as such, but I do notice them. As Mary T. said, I care about how well the story is tolld and about the deveopment and the actions of the characters. I also care about the motives of the characters, and that is when my interest in themes comes to my notice.
I’m a blithely undelving reader happily inhaling books; I’m all about the story. (A theme would likely have to slap my face to be noticed!)
I’m a blithely undelving reader happily inhaling books; I’m all about the story. (A theme would likely have to slap my face to be noticed!)
I’m a blithely undelving reader happily inhaling books; I’m all about the story. (A theme would likely have to slap my face to be noticed!)
I’m a blithely undelving reader happily inhaling books; I’m all about the story. (A theme would likely have to slap my face to be noticed!)
I’m a blithely undelving reader happily inhaling books; I’m all about the story. (A theme would likely have to slap my face to be noticed!)
I don’t look for themes, but there are times they just jump out at me and I can’t ignore them 😉 Normally though, I’m just a happy camper if the story is great. However, I will say, when I’m reading a series, if I notice a theme in the first two books, I’ll see it in the rest of them.
I don’t look for themes, but there are times they just jump out at me and I can’t ignore them 😉 Normally though, I’m just a happy camper if the story is great. However, I will say, when I’m reading a series, if I notice a theme in the first two books, I’ll see it in the rest of them.
I don’t look for themes, but there are times they just jump out at me and I can’t ignore them 😉 Normally though, I’m just a happy camper if the story is great. However, I will say, when I’m reading a series, if I notice a theme in the first two books, I’ll see it in the rest of them.
I don’t look for themes, but there are times they just jump out at me and I can’t ignore them 😉 Normally though, I’m just a happy camper if the story is great. However, I will say, when I’m reading a series, if I notice a theme in the first two books, I’ll see it in the rest of them.
I don’t look for themes, but there are times they just jump out at me and I can’t ignore them 😉 Normally though, I’m just a happy camper if the story is great. However, I will say, when I’m reading a series, if I notice a theme in the first two books, I’ll see it in the rest of them.
Yes, Mary Jo, isn’t it lovely how our subconscious takes care of these things?
I think it was Jayne Ann Krentz (aka Amanda Quick who wrote about our “core story” in which we continue to explore certain things — possibly themes — from different angles. That was in the collection of essays “Dangerous Men and Adventurous Women”
Yes, Mary Jo, isn’t it lovely how our subconscious takes care of these things?
I think it was Jayne Ann Krentz (aka Amanda Quick who wrote about our “core story” in which we continue to explore certain things — possibly themes — from different angles. That was in the collection of essays “Dangerous Men and Adventurous Women”
Yes, Mary Jo, isn’t it lovely how our subconscious takes care of these things?
I think it was Jayne Ann Krentz (aka Amanda Quick who wrote about our “core story” in which we continue to explore certain things — possibly themes — from different angles. That was in the collection of essays “Dangerous Men and Adventurous Women”
Yes, Mary Jo, isn’t it lovely how our subconscious takes care of these things?
I think it was Jayne Ann Krentz (aka Amanda Quick who wrote about our “core story” in which we continue to explore certain things — possibly themes — from different angles. That was in the collection of essays “Dangerous Men and Adventurous Women”
Yes, Mary Jo, isn’t it lovely how our subconscious takes care of these things?
I think it was Jayne Ann Krentz (aka Amanda Quick who wrote about our “core story” in which we continue to explore certain things — possibly themes — from different angles. That was in the collection of essays “Dangerous Men and Adventurous Women”
Thanks, Mary — I do enjoy action when it’s also tied to character development ot there are plot reasons for it. Action for action’s sake is not very involving to me, though good writers can always suck me in.
Thanks, Mary — I do enjoy action when it’s also tied to character development ot there are plot reasons for it. Action for action’s sake is not very involving to me, though good writers can always suck me in.
Thanks, Mary — I do enjoy action when it’s also tied to character development ot there are plot reasons for it. Action for action’s sake is not very involving to me, though good writers can always suck me in.
Thanks, Mary — I do enjoy action when it’s also tied to character development ot there are plot reasons for it. Action for action’s sake is not very involving to me, though good writers can always suck me in.
Thanks, Mary — I do enjoy action when it’s also tied to character development ot there are plot reasons for it. Action for action’s sake is not very involving to me, though good writers can always suck me in.
Thanks, Sue — I agree that characterization, motivation and storytelling is vital. I usually notice themes either when I’m almost finished a story or when I’m about to revise. I also think too heavy-handed awareness of “theme” can spoil an otherwise good book.
Thanks, Sue — I agree that characterization, motivation and storytelling is vital. I usually notice themes either when I’m almost finished a story or when I’m about to revise. I also think too heavy-handed awareness of “theme” can spoil an otherwise good book.
Thanks, Sue — I agree that characterization, motivation and storytelling is vital. I usually notice themes either when I’m almost finished a story or when I’m about to revise. I also think too heavy-handed awareness of “theme” can spoil an otherwise good book.
Thanks, Sue — I agree that characterization, motivation and storytelling is vital. I usually notice themes either when I’m almost finished a story or when I’m about to revise. I also think too heavy-handed awareness of “theme” can spoil an otherwise good book.
Thanks, Sue — I agree that characterization, motivation and storytelling is vital. I usually notice themes either when I’m almost finished a story or when I’m about to revise. I also think too heavy-handed awareness of “theme” can spoil an otherwise good book.
LOL Kareni. When I was at university the question “what themes are the writer exploring” was never my favorite question. I’m much happier with the idea of our subconscious driving it, not a writer consciously “theming” along. *g*
LOL Kareni. When I was at university the question “what themes are the writer exploring” was never my favorite question. I’m much happier with the idea of our subconscious driving it, not a writer consciously “theming” along. *g*
LOL Kareni. When I was at university the question “what themes are the writer exploring” was never my favorite question. I’m much happier with the idea of our subconscious driving it, not a writer consciously “theming” along. *g*
LOL Kareni. When I was at university the question “what themes are the writer exploring” was never my favorite question. I’m much happier with the idea of our subconscious driving it, not a writer consciously “theming” along. *g*
LOL Kareni. When I was at university the question “what themes are the writer exploring” was never my favorite question. I’m much happier with the idea of our subconscious driving it, not a writer consciously “theming” along. *g*
Yes indeed, Theo, and my lovely American reader did exactly that. 🙂 And I have to say, once it was pointed out to me, I’ve been conscious of themes popping up ever since. Thank you.
Yes indeed, Theo, and my lovely American reader did exactly that. 🙂 And I have to say, once it was pointed out to me, I’ve been conscious of themes popping up ever since. Thank you.
Yes indeed, Theo, and my lovely American reader did exactly that. 🙂 And I have to say, once it was pointed out to me, I’ve been conscious of themes popping up ever since. Thank you.
Yes indeed, Theo, and my lovely American reader did exactly that. 🙂 And I have to say, once it was pointed out to me, I’ve been conscious of themes popping up ever since. Thank you.
Yes indeed, Theo, and my lovely American reader did exactly that. 🙂 And I have to say, once it was pointed out to me, I’ve been conscious of themes popping up ever since. Thank you.
I’d forgotten that, but you’re right. Leave it to JAK to nail it so well!
I’d forgotten that, but you’re right. Leave it to JAK to nail it so well!
I’d forgotten that, but you’re right. Leave it to JAK to nail it so well!
I’d forgotten that, but you’re right. Leave it to JAK to nail it so well!
I’d forgotten that, but you’re right. Leave it to JAK to nail it so well!
Somehow, even if unstated by the author and unnoticed by me as reader, a worthy underlying theme makes me a participant in the story, not just a mildly interested onlooker. This is true whether the story is serious or comic. I think we all respond to characters’ better natures, which directly derive from the author’s better nature. This is connection, indeed. And isn’t it at the heart of all you Wenches have said in the post?
Somehow, even if unstated by the author and unnoticed by me as reader, a worthy underlying theme makes me a participant in the story, not just a mildly interested onlooker. This is true whether the story is serious or comic. I think we all respond to characters’ better natures, which directly derive from the author’s better nature. This is connection, indeed. And isn’t it at the heart of all you Wenches have said in the post?
Somehow, even if unstated by the author and unnoticed by me as reader, a worthy underlying theme makes me a participant in the story, not just a mildly interested onlooker. This is true whether the story is serious or comic. I think we all respond to characters’ better natures, which directly derive from the author’s better nature. This is connection, indeed. And isn’t it at the heart of all you Wenches have said in the post?
Somehow, even if unstated by the author and unnoticed by me as reader, a worthy underlying theme makes me a participant in the story, not just a mildly interested onlooker. This is true whether the story is serious or comic. I think we all respond to characters’ better natures, which directly derive from the author’s better nature. This is connection, indeed. And isn’t it at the heart of all you Wenches have said in the post?
Somehow, even if unstated by the author and unnoticed by me as reader, a worthy underlying theme makes me a participant in the story, not just a mildly interested onlooker. This is true whether the story is serious or comic. I think we all respond to characters’ better natures, which directly derive from the author’s better nature. This is connection, indeed. And isn’t it at the heart of all you Wenches have said in the post?
If I think about it, there are a couple of themes which make me fall in love with a story.
I am a book junky and have been reading since I was 4 years old. I used to hate dissecting stories in English or Literature class in school. Looking back, it could have been because the themes in those books did not appeal to me.
I am drawn to love. Not just romantic love, but love between friends and love within families. Love which means that I will support you no matter what because you are that important to me.
I am also drawn to stories of growing understanding. The more I get to know you, the more I begin to see the picture of who you are and your admirable qualities.
And finally, I am a sucker for forgiveness. Please allow me to be forgiven for how I have hurt you. Or please show me all the reasons I should forgive you for perceived harm.
I want to see stories which show humanity at their best. For some reason those types of stories are what keep me reading rather than watching news.
If I think about it, there are a couple of themes which make me fall in love with a story.
I am a book junky and have been reading since I was 4 years old. I used to hate dissecting stories in English or Literature class in school. Looking back, it could have been because the themes in those books did not appeal to me.
I am drawn to love. Not just romantic love, but love between friends and love within families. Love which means that I will support you no matter what because you are that important to me.
I am also drawn to stories of growing understanding. The more I get to know you, the more I begin to see the picture of who you are and your admirable qualities.
And finally, I am a sucker for forgiveness. Please allow me to be forgiven for how I have hurt you. Or please show me all the reasons I should forgive you for perceived harm.
I want to see stories which show humanity at their best. For some reason those types of stories are what keep me reading rather than watching news.
If I think about it, there are a couple of themes which make me fall in love with a story.
I am a book junky and have been reading since I was 4 years old. I used to hate dissecting stories in English or Literature class in school. Looking back, it could have been because the themes in those books did not appeal to me.
I am drawn to love. Not just romantic love, but love between friends and love within families. Love which means that I will support you no matter what because you are that important to me.
I am also drawn to stories of growing understanding. The more I get to know you, the more I begin to see the picture of who you are and your admirable qualities.
And finally, I am a sucker for forgiveness. Please allow me to be forgiven for how I have hurt you. Or please show me all the reasons I should forgive you for perceived harm.
I want to see stories which show humanity at their best. For some reason those types of stories are what keep me reading rather than watching news.
If I think about it, there are a couple of themes which make me fall in love with a story.
I am a book junky and have been reading since I was 4 years old. I used to hate dissecting stories in English or Literature class in school. Looking back, it could have been because the themes in those books did not appeal to me.
I am drawn to love. Not just romantic love, but love between friends and love within families. Love which means that I will support you no matter what because you are that important to me.
I am also drawn to stories of growing understanding. The more I get to know you, the more I begin to see the picture of who you are and your admirable qualities.
And finally, I am a sucker for forgiveness. Please allow me to be forgiven for how I have hurt you. Or please show me all the reasons I should forgive you for perceived harm.
I want to see stories which show humanity at their best. For some reason those types of stories are what keep me reading rather than watching news.
If I think about it, there are a couple of themes which make me fall in love with a story.
I am a book junky and have been reading since I was 4 years old. I used to hate dissecting stories in English or Literature class in school. Looking back, it could have been because the themes in those books did not appeal to me.
I am drawn to love. Not just romantic love, but love between friends and love within families. Love which means that I will support you no matter what because you are that important to me.
I am also drawn to stories of growing understanding. The more I get to know you, the more I begin to see the picture of who you are and your admirable qualities.
And finally, I am a sucker for forgiveness. Please allow me to be forgiven for how I have hurt you. Or please show me all the reasons I should forgive you for perceived harm.
I want to see stories which show humanity at their best. For some reason those types of stories are what keep me reading rather than watching news.
I certainly enjoy the theme of an intelligent and risk-taking heroine who has a man who is her equal and supports her without feeling insecure.
I dislike the clingy, whiny heroine unless she finds it within herself to be strong in a crisis she is thrown into. If she shows her pluck, I’ll keep reading.
I also find the pushy loudmouth who is arrogant, male or female, to be a real deterrent to continuing with the story. I’m reminded of Faile from the Wheel of Time series by Robert Jordan. It’s more epic fantasy than romance, but she is the wife of Perrin, one of the main characters. Their relationship is tempestuous.
A character who is a sister or cousin of the heroine who is promiscuous and dares her to do something about it, is another plot that I would continue with to see her get her comeuppance.
I certainly enjoy the theme of an intelligent and risk-taking heroine who has a man who is her equal and supports her without feeling insecure.
I dislike the clingy, whiny heroine unless she finds it within herself to be strong in a crisis she is thrown into. If she shows her pluck, I’ll keep reading.
I also find the pushy loudmouth who is arrogant, male or female, to be a real deterrent to continuing with the story. I’m reminded of Faile from the Wheel of Time series by Robert Jordan. It’s more epic fantasy than romance, but she is the wife of Perrin, one of the main characters. Their relationship is tempestuous.
A character who is a sister or cousin of the heroine who is promiscuous and dares her to do something about it, is another plot that I would continue with to see her get her comeuppance.
I certainly enjoy the theme of an intelligent and risk-taking heroine who has a man who is her equal and supports her without feeling insecure.
I dislike the clingy, whiny heroine unless she finds it within herself to be strong in a crisis she is thrown into. If she shows her pluck, I’ll keep reading.
I also find the pushy loudmouth who is arrogant, male or female, to be a real deterrent to continuing with the story. I’m reminded of Faile from the Wheel of Time series by Robert Jordan. It’s more epic fantasy than romance, but she is the wife of Perrin, one of the main characters. Their relationship is tempestuous.
A character who is a sister or cousin of the heroine who is promiscuous and dares her to do something about it, is another plot that I would continue with to see her get her comeuppance.
I certainly enjoy the theme of an intelligent and risk-taking heroine who has a man who is her equal and supports her without feeling insecure.
I dislike the clingy, whiny heroine unless she finds it within herself to be strong in a crisis she is thrown into. If she shows her pluck, I’ll keep reading.
I also find the pushy loudmouth who is arrogant, male or female, to be a real deterrent to continuing with the story. I’m reminded of Faile from the Wheel of Time series by Robert Jordan. It’s more epic fantasy than romance, but she is the wife of Perrin, one of the main characters. Their relationship is tempestuous.
A character who is a sister or cousin of the heroine who is promiscuous and dares her to do something about it, is another plot that I would continue with to see her get her comeuppance.
I certainly enjoy the theme of an intelligent and risk-taking heroine who has a man who is her equal and supports her without feeling insecure.
I dislike the clingy, whiny heroine unless she finds it within herself to be strong in a crisis she is thrown into. If she shows her pluck, I’ll keep reading.
I also find the pushy loudmouth who is arrogant, male or female, to be a real deterrent to continuing with the story. I’m reminded of Faile from the Wheel of Time series by Robert Jordan. It’s more epic fantasy than romance, but she is the wife of Perrin, one of the main characters. Their relationship is tempestuous.
A character who is a sister or cousin of the heroine who is promiscuous and dares her to do something about it, is another plot that I would continue with to see her get her comeuppance.
I wonder what a plot without a theme might be like …. perhaps a random walk through some aspect of life?
I particularly like themes where an underdog overcomes barriers to make good …. works particularly well with women in a man’s world where romance provides complications but all works out in the end.
If one starts with a definite theme then it seems that the writer becomes a wordsmith, choosing the words to fit the plot (by analogy with a blacksmith choosing hammer blows to create a horseshoe). However if the subconscious plays a major role in shaping the plot in the pantser sense, then the writer becomes more of a word-whisperer (by analogy with horse-whisperer) and creativity rather than analysis takes over with words creating and shaping the plot. I guess in practice a novelist probably lies somewhere between these extremes.
In a recent issue of the church times Malcolm Guite has an article on this in ‘Poets Corner’ where he gives a poets view point on word-whispering.
I wonder what a plot without a theme might be like …. perhaps a random walk through some aspect of life?
I particularly like themes where an underdog overcomes barriers to make good …. works particularly well with women in a man’s world where romance provides complications but all works out in the end.
If one starts with a definite theme then it seems that the writer becomes a wordsmith, choosing the words to fit the plot (by analogy with a blacksmith choosing hammer blows to create a horseshoe). However if the subconscious plays a major role in shaping the plot in the pantser sense, then the writer becomes more of a word-whisperer (by analogy with horse-whisperer) and creativity rather than analysis takes over with words creating and shaping the plot. I guess in practice a novelist probably lies somewhere between these extremes.
In a recent issue of the church times Malcolm Guite has an article on this in ‘Poets Corner’ where he gives a poets view point on word-whispering.
I wonder what a plot without a theme might be like …. perhaps a random walk through some aspect of life?
I particularly like themes where an underdog overcomes barriers to make good …. works particularly well with women in a man’s world where romance provides complications but all works out in the end.
If one starts with a definite theme then it seems that the writer becomes a wordsmith, choosing the words to fit the plot (by analogy with a blacksmith choosing hammer blows to create a horseshoe). However if the subconscious plays a major role in shaping the plot in the pantser sense, then the writer becomes more of a word-whisperer (by analogy with horse-whisperer) and creativity rather than analysis takes over with words creating and shaping the plot. I guess in practice a novelist probably lies somewhere between these extremes.
In a recent issue of the church times Malcolm Guite has an article on this in ‘Poets Corner’ where he gives a poets view point on word-whispering.
I wonder what a plot without a theme might be like …. perhaps a random walk through some aspect of life?
I particularly like themes where an underdog overcomes barriers to make good …. works particularly well with women in a man’s world where romance provides complications but all works out in the end.
If one starts with a definite theme then it seems that the writer becomes a wordsmith, choosing the words to fit the plot (by analogy with a blacksmith choosing hammer blows to create a horseshoe). However if the subconscious plays a major role in shaping the plot in the pantser sense, then the writer becomes more of a word-whisperer (by analogy with horse-whisperer) and creativity rather than analysis takes over with words creating and shaping the plot. I guess in practice a novelist probably lies somewhere between these extremes.
In a recent issue of the church times Malcolm Guite has an article on this in ‘Poets Corner’ where he gives a poets view point on word-whispering.
I wonder what a plot without a theme might be like …. perhaps a random walk through some aspect of life?
I particularly like themes where an underdog overcomes barriers to make good …. works particularly well with women in a man’s world where romance provides complications but all works out in the end.
If one starts with a definite theme then it seems that the writer becomes a wordsmith, choosing the words to fit the plot (by analogy with a blacksmith choosing hammer blows to create a horseshoe). However if the subconscious plays a major role in shaping the plot in the pantser sense, then the writer becomes more of a word-whisperer (by analogy with horse-whisperer) and creativity rather than analysis takes over with words creating and shaping the plot. I guess in practice a novelist probably lies somewhere between these extremes.
In a recent issue of the church times Malcolm Guite has an article on this in ‘Poets Corner’ where he gives a poets view point on word-whispering.
“I used to hate dissecting stories in English or Literature class in school. Looking back, it could have been because the themes in those books did not appeal to me.”
Annette, I think this was probably true for me, too. I hated dissecting novels for “theme” — it always felt a bit false, and I think you’re right — the themes we discussed were never ones I liked. I think there was also a suggestion that the author was “sending us a message” of sorts, and that I rejected utterly. I contended then that the author was writing the best story they could, and we were just reading things into it. Which is still true, I think, only now it’s me reading things into my own work. LOL
“I used to hate dissecting stories in English or Literature class in school. Looking back, it could have been because the themes in those books did not appeal to me.”
Annette, I think this was probably true for me, too. I hated dissecting novels for “theme” — it always felt a bit false, and I think you’re right — the themes we discussed were never ones I liked. I think there was also a suggestion that the author was “sending us a message” of sorts, and that I rejected utterly. I contended then that the author was writing the best story they could, and we were just reading things into it. Which is still true, I think, only now it’s me reading things into my own work. LOL
“I used to hate dissecting stories in English or Literature class in school. Looking back, it could have been because the themes in those books did not appeal to me.”
Annette, I think this was probably true for me, too. I hated dissecting novels for “theme” — it always felt a bit false, and I think you’re right — the themes we discussed were never ones I liked. I think there was also a suggestion that the author was “sending us a message” of sorts, and that I rejected utterly. I contended then that the author was writing the best story they could, and we were just reading things into it. Which is still true, I think, only now it’s me reading things into my own work. LOL
“I used to hate dissecting stories in English or Literature class in school. Looking back, it could have been because the themes in those books did not appeal to me.”
Annette, I think this was probably true for me, too. I hated dissecting novels for “theme” — it always felt a bit false, and I think you’re right — the themes we discussed were never ones I liked. I think there was also a suggestion that the author was “sending us a message” of sorts, and that I rejected utterly. I contended then that the author was writing the best story they could, and we were just reading things into it. Which is still true, I think, only now it’s me reading things into my own work. LOL
“I used to hate dissecting stories in English or Literature class in school. Looking back, it could have been because the themes in those books did not appeal to me.”
Annette, I think this was probably true for me, too. I hated dissecting novels for “theme” — it always felt a bit false, and I think you’re right — the themes we discussed were never ones I liked. I think there was also a suggestion that the author was “sending us a message” of sorts, and that I rejected utterly. I contended then that the author was writing the best story they could, and we were just reading things into it. Which is still true, I think, only now it’s me reading things into my own work. LOL
Mary, yes, I think a worthy underlying theme can add a richness and depth to a story. I’m interested in your notion of an author’s better nature coming through in fiction. I suspect that might also be something to do with the thing they call “voice” in writers.
Mary, yes, I think a worthy underlying theme can add a richness and depth to a story. I’m interested in your notion of an author’s better nature coming through in fiction. I suspect that might also be something to do with the thing they call “voice” in writers.
Mary, yes, I think a worthy underlying theme can add a richness and depth to a story. I’m interested in your notion of an author’s better nature coming through in fiction. I suspect that might also be something to do with the thing they call “voice” in writers.
Mary, yes, I think a worthy underlying theme can add a richness and depth to a story. I’m interested in your notion of an author’s better nature coming through in fiction. I suspect that might also be something to do with the thing they call “voice” in writers.
Mary, yes, I think a worthy underlying theme can add a richness and depth to a story. I’m interested in your notion of an author’s better nature coming through in fiction. I suspect that might also be something to do with the thing they call “voice” in writers.
Thanks, Patricia — it’s interesting the things that throw you out of a story. A heroine I dislike, for instance is likely to lead to a DNF (did not finish). And a hero who is a bully the same — even though heroes often reform by the end of a book, I tend to think “once a bully always a bully.”
Thanks, Patricia — it’s interesting the things that throw you out of a story. A heroine I dislike, for instance is likely to lead to a DNF (did not finish). And a hero who is a bully the same — even though heroes often reform by the end of a book, I tend to think “once a bully always a bully.”
Thanks, Patricia — it’s interesting the things that throw you out of a story. A heroine I dislike, for instance is likely to lead to a DNF (did not finish). And a hero who is a bully the same — even though heroes often reform by the end of a book, I tend to think “once a bully always a bully.”
Thanks, Patricia — it’s interesting the things that throw you out of a story. A heroine I dislike, for instance is likely to lead to a DNF (did not finish). And a hero who is a bully the same — even though heroes often reform by the end of a book, I tend to think “once a bully always a bully.”
Thanks, Patricia — it’s interesting the things that throw you out of a story. A heroine I dislike, for instance is likely to lead to a DNF (did not finish). And a hero who is a bully the same — even though heroes often reform by the end of a book, I tend to think “once a bully always a bully.”
Quantum, I’m a big fan of underdog stories — I suspect that’s one of the things I explore quite frequently. I like your idea of us being somewhere between a blacksmith and a word-whisperer — I certainly have days when I’m banging out the words and days when they just flow. All jokes aside, it’s an interesting idea. Thanks.
Quantum, I’m a big fan of underdog stories — I suspect that’s one of the things I explore quite frequently. I like your idea of us being somewhere between a blacksmith and a word-whisperer — I certainly have days when I’m banging out the words and days when they just flow. All jokes aside, it’s an interesting idea. Thanks.
Quantum, I’m a big fan of underdog stories — I suspect that’s one of the things I explore quite frequently. I like your idea of us being somewhere between a blacksmith and a word-whisperer — I certainly have days when I’m banging out the words and days when they just flow. All jokes aside, it’s an interesting idea. Thanks.
Quantum, I’m a big fan of underdog stories — I suspect that’s one of the things I explore quite frequently. I like your idea of us being somewhere between a blacksmith and a word-whisperer — I certainly have days when I’m banging out the words and days when they just flow. All jokes aside, it’s an interesting idea. Thanks.
Quantum, I’m a big fan of underdog stories — I suspect that’s one of the things I explore quite frequently. I like your idea of us being somewhere between a blacksmith and a word-whisperer — I certainly have days when I’m banging out the words and days when they just flow. All jokes aside, it’s an interesting idea. Thanks.
I was really dumb in university most of the time when the subject of themes came up. When asked I thought Emma was about a well meaning girl who was a bit too bossy and know it all who had to learn her limitations. I was told the theme was class struggle and the injustice of the walls between social classes. Okay. Whatever. (Why aren’t you teaching social sciences instead of English lit? – unasked.)
Now that I read mostly for pleasure, I don’t look for themes precisely. They appear as part of the whole. I do dislike authors who hit me over the head with their message. I agree with Samuel Goldwyn, who said if I want to send a message, I call Western Union – except they’re out of that business now. I suppose it’s okay to write fiction primarily to further some particular cause or viewpoint, but I wish those authors would remember that if they don’t entertain their readers and engage them with their characters, not many will read the message.
I was really dumb in university most of the time when the subject of themes came up. When asked I thought Emma was about a well meaning girl who was a bit too bossy and know it all who had to learn her limitations. I was told the theme was class struggle and the injustice of the walls between social classes. Okay. Whatever. (Why aren’t you teaching social sciences instead of English lit? – unasked.)
Now that I read mostly for pleasure, I don’t look for themes precisely. They appear as part of the whole. I do dislike authors who hit me over the head with their message. I agree with Samuel Goldwyn, who said if I want to send a message, I call Western Union – except they’re out of that business now. I suppose it’s okay to write fiction primarily to further some particular cause or viewpoint, but I wish those authors would remember that if they don’t entertain their readers and engage them with their characters, not many will read the message.
I was really dumb in university most of the time when the subject of themes came up. When asked I thought Emma was about a well meaning girl who was a bit too bossy and know it all who had to learn her limitations. I was told the theme was class struggle and the injustice of the walls between social classes. Okay. Whatever. (Why aren’t you teaching social sciences instead of English lit? – unasked.)
Now that I read mostly for pleasure, I don’t look for themes precisely. They appear as part of the whole. I do dislike authors who hit me over the head with their message. I agree with Samuel Goldwyn, who said if I want to send a message, I call Western Union – except they’re out of that business now. I suppose it’s okay to write fiction primarily to further some particular cause or viewpoint, but I wish those authors would remember that if they don’t entertain their readers and engage them with their characters, not many will read the message.
I was really dumb in university most of the time when the subject of themes came up. When asked I thought Emma was about a well meaning girl who was a bit too bossy and know it all who had to learn her limitations. I was told the theme was class struggle and the injustice of the walls between social classes. Okay. Whatever. (Why aren’t you teaching social sciences instead of English lit? – unasked.)
Now that I read mostly for pleasure, I don’t look for themes precisely. They appear as part of the whole. I do dislike authors who hit me over the head with their message. I agree with Samuel Goldwyn, who said if I want to send a message, I call Western Union – except they’re out of that business now. I suppose it’s okay to write fiction primarily to further some particular cause or viewpoint, but I wish those authors would remember that if they don’t entertain their readers and engage them with their characters, not many will read the message.
I was really dumb in university most of the time when the subject of themes came up. When asked I thought Emma was about a well meaning girl who was a bit too bossy and know it all who had to learn her limitations. I was told the theme was class struggle and the injustice of the walls between social classes. Okay. Whatever. (Why aren’t you teaching social sciences instead of English lit? – unasked.)
Now that I read mostly for pleasure, I don’t look for themes precisely. They appear as part of the whole. I do dislike authors who hit me over the head with their message. I agree with Samuel Goldwyn, who said if I want to send a message, I call Western Union – except they’re out of that business now. I suppose it’s okay to write fiction primarily to further some particular cause or viewpoint, but I wish those authors would remember that if they don’t entertain their readers and engage them with their characters, not many will read the message.
Thanks, Janice — I love that Samuel Goldwyn quote. I’d heard it before but couldn’t remember who said it. And an author hitting me over the head with their themes )often messages) is usually enough to put me off.
On the other hand, Stephen King said something like he often doesn’t know his theme until three quarters of the way through the draft, but by the time he goes to revise he really needs to know it. Which is interesting.
I ran a workshop recently on themes, and looked up web /reviewers views on the main themes for Liane Moriarty’s Big Little Lies, and the variation of interpretations was fascinating.
Thanks for joining in the conversation.
Thanks, Janice — I love that Samuel Goldwyn quote. I’d heard it before but couldn’t remember who said it. And an author hitting me over the head with their themes )often messages) is usually enough to put me off.
On the other hand, Stephen King said something like he often doesn’t know his theme until three quarters of the way through the draft, but by the time he goes to revise he really needs to know it. Which is interesting.
I ran a workshop recently on themes, and looked up web /reviewers views on the main themes for Liane Moriarty’s Big Little Lies, and the variation of interpretations was fascinating.
Thanks for joining in the conversation.
Thanks, Janice — I love that Samuel Goldwyn quote. I’d heard it before but couldn’t remember who said it. And an author hitting me over the head with their themes )often messages) is usually enough to put me off.
On the other hand, Stephen King said something like he often doesn’t know his theme until three quarters of the way through the draft, but by the time he goes to revise he really needs to know it. Which is interesting.
I ran a workshop recently on themes, and looked up web /reviewers views on the main themes for Liane Moriarty’s Big Little Lies, and the variation of interpretations was fascinating.
Thanks for joining in the conversation.
Thanks, Janice — I love that Samuel Goldwyn quote. I’d heard it before but couldn’t remember who said it. And an author hitting me over the head with their themes )often messages) is usually enough to put me off.
On the other hand, Stephen King said something like he often doesn’t know his theme until three quarters of the way through the draft, but by the time he goes to revise he really needs to know it. Which is interesting.
I ran a workshop recently on themes, and looked up web /reviewers views on the main themes for Liane Moriarty’s Big Little Lies, and the variation of interpretations was fascinating.
Thanks for joining in the conversation.
Thanks, Janice — I love that Samuel Goldwyn quote. I’d heard it before but couldn’t remember who said it. And an author hitting me over the head with their themes )often messages) is usually enough to put me off.
On the other hand, Stephen King said something like he often doesn’t know his theme until three quarters of the way through the draft, but by the time he goes to revise he really needs to know it. Which is interesting.
I ran a workshop recently on themes, and looked up web /reviewers views on the main themes for Liane Moriarty’s Big Little Lies, and the variation of interpretations was fascinating.
Thanks for joining in the conversation.
I’ll read any kind of romance, but I guess the themes I prefer have to do with the characters being in some kind of peril, or dilemma, and then winning through; this would be outside of the central romance itself. I also enjoy unlikely pairings of couples who are perfect for each other.
I’ll read any kind of romance, but I guess the themes I prefer have to do with the characters being in some kind of peril, or dilemma, and then winning through; this would be outside of the central romance itself. I also enjoy unlikely pairings of couples who are perfect for each other.
I’ll read any kind of romance, but I guess the themes I prefer have to do with the characters being in some kind of peril, or dilemma, and then winning through; this would be outside of the central romance itself. I also enjoy unlikely pairings of couples who are perfect for each other.
I’ll read any kind of romance, but I guess the themes I prefer have to do with the characters being in some kind of peril, or dilemma, and then winning through; this would be outside of the central romance itself. I also enjoy unlikely pairings of couples who are perfect for each other.
I’ll read any kind of romance, but I guess the themes I prefer have to do with the characters being in some kind of peril, or dilemma, and then winning through; this would be outside of the central romance itself. I also enjoy unlikely pairings of couples who are perfect for each other.
I look forward to reading The Winter Queen’s Daughters. I think I have caught up on my Wench TBR pile. I loved her book The Four Queens. It is amazing how sisterly rivalry can impact history.
I look forward to reading The Winter Queen’s Daughters. I think I have caught up on my Wench TBR pile. I loved her book The Four Queens. It is amazing how sisterly rivalry can impact history.
I look forward to reading The Winter Queen’s Daughters. I think I have caught up on my Wench TBR pile. I loved her book The Four Queens. It is amazing how sisterly rivalry can impact history.
I look forward to reading The Winter Queen’s Daughters. I think I have caught up on my Wench TBR pile. I loved her book The Four Queens. It is amazing how sisterly rivalry can impact history.
I look forward to reading The Winter Queen’s Daughters. I think I have caught up on my Wench TBR pile. I loved her book The Four Queens. It is amazing how sisterly rivalry can impact history.