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.
Jane Friedman has spent nearly 25 years working in the book publishing industry, with a focus on author education and trend reporting. She is the editor of The Hot Sheet, the essential publishing industry newsletter for authors, and was named Publishing Commentator of the Year by Digital Book World in 2023. Her latest book is The Business of Being a Writer (University of Chicago Press), which received a starred review from Library Journal. In addition to serving on grant panels for the National Endowment for the Arts and the Creative Work Fund, she works with organizations such as The Authors Guild to bring transparency to the business of publishing.
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.
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.
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.
Let me offer further reassurance: Definitely not doing a thing wrong. 🙂
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.
Thanks, Lynne. Appreciate you sharing your territories with us. 🙂