Topics are high-level in their aim. They are the general subject. Themes, what I sometimes call “angles,” are different. They’re targeted. They’re a subset of the larger subject at play.
writers resources
Write Right: Allusion versus Illusion
Allusion and illusion differ by only one vowel, but a single vowel is all it takes. The two words could not be more different from one another.
How Long Should Your Novel Be?
Every so often, I’m asked about how long a particular type of content should be. It isn’t an absurd question; it’s one I’ve googled when I need to know how many characters I’m allowed in a subject line and how many words in a headline. Such is the way of things when writing marketing copy or an article for an online publication or print newspaper.
Write Right: Use Verbs to Paint a Picture
Verbs don’t only propel the plot forward. They also convey mood. They can paint a picture of what a character is like or of what a relationship is like. They can show the quality of an emotion without having to rely on a direct object, adjective, or adverb.
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Write Right: Some Thoughts on Dialogue
Even though I edit a lot of fiction, I don’t write fiction, so I’m hesitant to write about dialogue. I was asked my thoughts on the topic, though. I suppose I should give some answers.
Trust the Words
When I write poetry, I try not to have a set conclusion in mind. I may start with some words or have an idea for an ending, but I don’t want to be tied to them. The words are a starting point. They may appear in a final draft, but they may not.