What Territory Do You Explore With Your Writing?

Laura Oliver
Photo credit: Laura Dobbs

I love this insight from Laura Oliver on the writing life, in a post called “Territory.” She discusses the themes that can permeate our writing, sometimes over a lifetime. (I’ve also heard this phenomenon called one’s “ultimate life concern.”)

Here’s a snippet:

Most writers have a territory they explore for a time—perhaps an entire career. It is the theme, subject, or question that predominates their work. It might be a belief they hold—love triumphs over all, everyone lies—and it might appear as a question, not an assertion. … This kind of revisiting makes possible a remarkable intensity of observation, which in turn can elevate work to a higher plane. What many writers find is that intense contemplation of a single theme gives a freshness and individuality to each story even when the subjects are similar.

Go read the full piece in the latest Glimmer Train bulletin. Or view the entire bulletin.

Share on:
Subscribe
Notify of
guest

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

6 Comments
oldest
newest most voted
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments
Sharon K Owen

I’ve definitely found a territory to explore in my writing. It is both physical and thematic. For my Brands Crossing Series I’ve created a small town in north Texas and populated it with characters who will appear in all the books in the series. Thematically, I am dealing with family connections and the power they have over the characters behavior.

Jane Friedman

The most important thing I ever learned about setting (or physical environments) is that the best ones are as complex and intimate to the story as the characters.

Mikael

Very interesting. The two screenplays that I am struggling to finish both have the same theme and it was not intentional. The third story I am thinking about is forming into that direction. I thought I might be doing something wrong by letting the same theme creep in. So glad that I read it isn´t so. Also I watched Peter Jackson’s interview where he said that he admired Stephen King for being brave to explore the dark side of the human mind. I guess I am in good company. So I have been inspired two times in 24 hours. I guess I need to finish the stories.

Jane Friedman

Let me offer further reassurance: Definitely not doing a thing wrong.  🙂

Lynne Spreen

I am thrilled to have read this. I actually have two “territories”: sleepwalking through one’s life, and fear of being alone. I’m excited to think that, by focusing on them, I may bring “freshness and individuality” to them. Thanks for a motivating post.

Jane Friedman

Thanks, Lynne. Appreciate you sharing your territories with us.  🙂