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Thematic writing...
Jan. 28th, 2006 01:24 amWhen I write, I’m very aware of the theme that I am presenting. I know that I’m not supposed to be. I’ve heard lots and lots of writers expound on how the theme of their book appears only at the end and they are amazed to find out what it was they were trying to say. Yeah. Maybe. That simply doesn’t work for me.
I’m not talking about writing a sermon or presenting propaganda. I’m talking about exploring an issue and being able to present a philosophical or moral issue in such a way that the reader or viewer can intellectually come to an independent conclusion about that topic; a conclusion beyond simply agreeing or disagreeing with a conclusion that the writer presented in the work. In a well written piece, the author presents the argument and trusts that the audience will spend some time looking at the implications of the argument. Keep in mind that the actual conclusion is secondary to the intellectual exercise of considering all the angles of the argument.
Now Battlestar Galactica usually does a masterful job of this. I don’t always watch BG, mind, but I have seen more episodes than I have missed. Actually, the thing I love best about the show is the podcast with the writer/executive producer who discusses the entire show. I love listening to the reasoning behind creative decisions ( Thoughts on Battlestar Galactica with some spoilers from recent episodes )
And that, I feel, is a very important lesson to keep in mind when writing. An author needs to present equally strong and legitimate points and counter-points in order to be able to truly reach an audience. If you don’t, you’re only going to be preaching to the choir. Which is fine if that’s the audience you want, but it really doesn’t provide the challenge or satisfaction of reaching beyond the obvious.
Galactica is good because it usually doesn’t demand agreement with a moral statement in order to enjoy the show and it allows its audience the intellectual freedom to form its own, independent conclusions. It’s something that I am striving to attain in my own ramblings.
I’m not talking about writing a sermon or presenting propaganda. I’m talking about exploring an issue and being able to present a philosophical or moral issue in such a way that the reader or viewer can intellectually come to an independent conclusion about that topic; a conclusion beyond simply agreeing or disagreeing with a conclusion that the writer presented in the work. In a well written piece, the author presents the argument and trusts that the audience will spend some time looking at the implications of the argument. Keep in mind that the actual conclusion is secondary to the intellectual exercise of considering all the angles of the argument.
Now Battlestar Galactica usually does a masterful job of this. I don’t always watch BG, mind, but I have seen more episodes than I have missed. Actually, the thing I love best about the show is the podcast with the writer/executive producer who discusses the entire show. I love listening to the reasoning behind creative decisions ( Thoughts on Battlestar Galactica with some spoilers from recent episodes )
And that, I feel, is a very important lesson to keep in mind when writing. An author needs to present equally strong and legitimate points and counter-points in order to be able to truly reach an audience. If you don’t, you’re only going to be preaching to the choir. Which is fine if that’s the audience you want, but it really doesn’t provide the challenge or satisfaction of reaching beyond the obvious.
Galactica is good because it usually doesn’t demand agreement with a moral statement in order to enjoy the show and it allows its audience the intellectual freedom to form its own, independent conclusions. It’s something that I am striving to attain in my own ramblings.
