When I’m developing
a story plot, I don’t think about theme. Instead, I focus on telling the story.
If the theme becomes dominate at that stage of the writing process, it may
force the characters into actions for the sake of the theme, rather than the
plot.
After I finish the
first, sometimes the second or third draft, I usually develop a feeling of the
theme that lies between the lines of the story. In Forty Winks, a bedtime story, multiple themes exist: fear of the
dark, fear of monsters, benefits of sharing. The themes evolved from the story
line, rather than the writing adhering to a particular message. When we write
to promote a particular message, the story often becomes didactic, too
instructive. My first rule for writing a fictional picture book is to focus on
the entertainment value.
I also ask the following
questions:
Is the theme
relatable with wide appeal? Publishers want books that resonate with a large
audience or age group. If a child enjoys a book and can “see” himself in the
story, he wants to read it again, or another similar book.
Is the theme an
issue that’s important in the child’s world? Children often fear the dark, want
to adopt a pet, or play with a friend. Consider the age of the audience before
writing the first word. Themes vary with age groups. Fitting into a social
group is a viable theme for middle grade and young adult readers, but don’t
work as well for preschoolers.
A theme is expressed
through the ideas, thoughts, and actions of the character and is what the
character learns in the journey of the story.
Call for Submissions for Young Writers: Hanging Loose magazine. High School Submissions.
Since
1968, every issue of Hanging Loose has had a section of high school writing.
We’re always looking for new writers. Here’s how to submit your work:
*
Send all work to High School Editor, Hanging Loose, 231 Wyckoff Street,
Brooklyn, NY 11217. Please also send us a note identifying yourself as a high
school age writer, and telling us your age. Include an email address—and
include a self-addressed stamped envelope with sufficient return postage.
Otherwise, your submission cannot be returned. Be sure your name and address
appear on each page of your work.
*
Send up to six poems or short stories, or an equivalent combination of poetry
and prose.
Hanging
Loose has long been known
for its special interest in new writers. We read manuscripts throughout the
year and we look forward to reading yours.
Submissions guidelines at http://hangingloosepress.com/submissions.html
Call for
Submissions for Adult Writers:
Nature Friend. "Nature-loving children and families get Nature Friend. We are primarily about wild nature. Can be animals, plants, birds, insects, rocks, ocean life, astronomy, gardening, learning by doing activities and experiments." Welcomes new writers. Circ. 7500. Monthly. Pays on publication. Period between acceptance and publication varies. Buy first rights. Accepts reprints. Responds quickly. Sample articles on website.
Submissions guidelines at https://www.naturefriendmagazine.com/index.pl?linkid=12;class=gen.
Nancy Kelly Allen has
written 40+ children’s books and a cookbook, SPIRIT OF KENTUCKY: BOURBON
COOKBOOK.
