Make Your Writing Process Easier - Part 2

When someone asks you what the book or short story or article you're writing is about, can you tell them in a couple of short sentences? Can you say it in words they'll easily understand? (In other words, without using jargon or words you've coined for your story?)

No? Then you are missing another key piece of the foundation for your writing project. That key piece is your theme — your core message.

Stating your theme, or core message, in under 50 words gives you clarity. It provides you with a compass to guide your writing. When you can't describe your theme succinctly, it's easy to meander and take detours that muddle your writing. Having a theme keeps your writing focused so that each word, each point you make, each word propels the story forward and keeps the reader engaged.

To identify your theme, ask yourself this question: What? What am I writing about? Keep your description short — just a couple of sentences, under 50 words. And describe it in simple language you would use at a party or networking event. Then try it out on a trusted friend or associate. Do they get it?

In Part 3, we'll focus on the question, Who? When you answer all three questions — Why, What and Who — you will have a solid foundation to launch your writing process and guide you to completion.