Pixar Challenge: Rule #3

Pixar’s Rule #3

Trying for theme is important, but you won’t see what the story is actually about until you’re at the end of it. Now rewrite.

Theme is important.  You always need something cohesive to pull all of the action together into a central theme.  Should you force a theme?  I think— no. 

In my opinion this rule is telling you to write with a central theme in mind.  Let the story take you on its journey through twists and turn.  Take this journey being ever cognizant of the thread that will tie these wonderful words up into a neat tight bow without unraveling the entire story. 

Look at fashion.  You go into a store or see a runway show and the theme an artist/designer has in mind with his/her pieces almost jumps out at you.  It is their art, their story told with fabric.  It is beautiful when it all moves from point to point seamlessly. 

Go to an art gallery.  When you walk from piece to piece the story is beautifully told with the stroke of a brush or the shape of a sculpture.  If the artist needs to go back and add something to a sculpture or color to a painting, the artist may be able to tie the art together. But, would the individual piece lose some of its beauty?  It could make everything perfect or it could ruin the entire design. 

This is where the rewrite is important.  The writer/artist must step back and see gaps or flaws.  The little thing that doesn’t move the story in the direction it was intended. That little thing that seems like your telling the reader what to think or feel, it could turn the reader off.  And you have to be careful to take delicate stokes.  Don’t go in with an axe.  Let things move naturally. Be mindful and true to the theme. 

With plots and subplots they all need to work together in a theme.  You develop the story with an intentional direction, but you have to be careful not to force things.  The words should glide across the page moving the reader physically and emotionally along with the main character. 

How do you choose a theme in your writing?  Or do you write and watch as a theme forms?  How do you keep the theme without forcing it?

Also, all of you should check out the posts from my blogging friends who are doing this challenge with me! The first posts go up today. Links to Kate Brauning, Talynn Lynn, Mary Pat, and Alex Yuschik’s blogs are located on the side bar. 

We’d love to see comments on our post and share anything you enjoy.  Thank you for reading!