The creation of a fantasy world, with its intricate magic systems, diverse races, and epic quests, is a feat of imagination. But within this world, the writer must also weave a narrative, a story that resonates with readers. Comparing the fantasy I was encountering now to the fantasy I read maybe 10 or 20 years ago, I was left with a question. What was the difference..? I felt there was one and it could have been due to any number of things, but there was something about the more recent stories' delivery and presentation that felt "off" in my mind's eye. After sitting down and giving it some considerable thought, I felt compelled to address what I felt that difference was in this post: the themes. Synthetic or natural. Should a story be built around a pre-conceived theme, or should the theme emerge organically from the narrative itself? My opinion is overwhelmingly on the side of letting themes rise organically, because, without giving the specific names of books, I've seen the kind of damage writing around a pre-selected theme can inflict on a story. With this post I'll touch on these two approaches, examining their strengths, weaknesses, and the potential pitfalls of prioritizing theme over story, arguing that while starting with a theme might seem like a shortcut to depth, it often leads to shallow, disjointed, and contrived narratives. And honestly, a trend I've noticed in current fantasy is that everyone is trying to make a statement about something or another. I'm starting to wonder if fantasy authors are required to include a social issue in every other chapter. We get it, society has problems. Can we get back to the big monsters, cool magic, and epic journeys now?

It's no secret many writers begin with a specific theme they wish to explore. This could be anything from social inequality to the nature of good and evil, or even a more personal exploration of grief or self-discovery. They then craft a story designed to illustrate and illuminate this theme. That's a sound method and seems like a great way to put a book together. This approach has the advantage of giving the narrative a clear focus and purpose from the very beginning. The writer can carefully select characters, plot points, and settings that align with the chosen theme, ensuring that the message they've chosen is conveyed effectively. It's like having a blueprint for your house before you start building. You know what you want the house to represent, and everything from beginning to end is supposed to fit into that plan. Now, it's undeniable that amazing stories, stories that have truly stood for and highlighted something of note within our human existence, have been written using this method. However, these kinds of powerful stories tend to be very low fantasy, and honestly, seem to be more characteristic of books that are either non-fiction or fiction with no fantastical elements at all. Otherwise, I find it's incredibly hard to pull off this method and do it right.

This way of story-writing doesn't exactly mesh well with the fantasy genre because, at their core, themes are pulled from our "real-life" experiences and existence, and commenting on those "reality-based" themes is inherently difficult when they're woven into a kind of narrative that stands for the complete opposite of our reality: fantasy. This disconnect is precisely why it's so hard to execute well, and why you'll find a lot of fantasy stories based on pre-selected themes struggle to skillfully reconcile the fantastical elements of the genre with the grounded source of the themes they're trying to explore. It's like trying to build a bridge between two vastly different worlds, and often, the bridge rarely feels level or straight under the weight of the conflicting elements. More problematic however, is how this approach also carries the significant risk of the story becoming a mere vehicle for the theme, sacrificing narrative integrity and genuine character development for the sake of delivering a message. It can lead to stories that feel preachy, didactic, and ultimately, unconvincing.

The danger of starting with a pre-conceived theme is that it can lead to what I call "shoe-horned narratives." The story elements, instead of flowing naturally, are forced to conform to the dictates of the theme. Characters may funnily enough, act out of character to serve the message, plot points may feel manipulated, and the world itself may become distorted to fit the thematic agenda. Think of a character who, in their natural progression, would make a certain choice, but because it doesn't align with the theme, they suddenly act in a completely different, often illogical, way. I can't remember the amount of stories I've read where this occurs, but it's a lot. Readers can sense when a story is being changed to deliver a message, and they often roll their eyes at it. I am aware there are those who enjoy social commentary in their fantasy (quite a lot of people), but for those of us who look at it more simply, we turn to fantasy for wonder and adventure...not to be affirmed or preached at.

This issue is particularly prevalent when dealing with sensitive or controversial themes, such as misogyny, mental health, or political ideologies. While these are undeniably important topics, attempting to force them into a narrative can be detrimental to the story itself. For example, a character struggling with mental health might be portrayed in an exaggerated or stereotypical way to emphasize the theme, rather than being depicted as a complex individual with their own unique experiences. This can not only create a shallow and inaccurate portrayal of mental health, but it can also be offensive to those who have lived experience with these issues. Similarly, a political message might be hammered home through thinly veiled allegories, sacrificing subtlety and nuance for the sake of making a point. The story becomes a soapbox, and the characters become puppets.

This is not to say that fantasy stories should shy away from exploring complex themes. While it can be difficult, fantasy, with its ability to create allegorical worlds and explore human nature in a heightened context, can be a powerful tool for examining social and political issues. However, the key is to let these themes emerge organically from the story, rather than imposing them from the outside. When themes arise naturally, they become an integral part of the narrative, adding depth and meaning without sacrificing the integrity of the story itself. They become a natural part of the conversation the story is having with the reader, rather than a lecture imposed upon them. 

It falls in line with my personal preference, and what I believe is a more organic and ultimately more effective approach. Letting the story dictate the theme, rather than the other way around. I find that when I begin with a character, a situation, or a compelling plot idea, the themes emerge naturally as the story unfolds. It's like going on a backpacking trip where you stumble upon hidden gems and local secrets, rather than a guided bus tour that just hits all the tourist traps on a pre-planned route. This allows the characters to act according to their own motivations, the plot to develop naturally, and the world to breathe with authenticity. The themes that arise from this process are often more nuanced and complex than those that are imposed from the beginning. They are born from the heart of the story, lifted from its very fabric, rather than being grafted onto it. They become a natural outgrowth of the narrative, adding depth and resonance without feeling forced or coming out of left field. In the spirit of being fair, I will admit that letting themes grow organically also has its weaknesses. It does require a certain level of trust in the writing process and a willingness to let go of control. Sometimes, the themes that emerge might not be the ones you expected, or they might be more subtle and nuanced than you initially envisioned. This can be challenging for writers who prefer a more structured approach in their story-creation process. There's also the risk that the themes might not be as "deep" or "meaningful" as those that are pre-planned. While organic themes can be powerful, they might not always address the grand social or political issues that some writers are passionate about exploring. It's a trade-off: authenticity and natural flow versus potentially less "important" or "weighty" themes. This brings us to another important consideration, though one that deserves a more in-depth discussion: the very purpose of fantasy itself. 

This is a lengthy topic of discussion for another time, but as it connects to this one, we can briefly take a small step into it. What exactly is the purpose of fantasy? Is it primarily to entertain, to transport readers to fantastical worlds and provide an escape from reality? Or can it also serve as a vehicle for social commentary, a way to explore complex issues and challenge conventional thinking? I believe that fantasy can, and often tries, to serve both purposes. A well-crafted fantasy story can be both entertaining and thought-provoking, offering readers a richly imagined world while also exploring themes that resonate with our own reality. But the entertainment should never be sacrificed for the message. A story that fails to engage the reader on a fundamental level will ultimately fail to deliver its message, no matter how important that message may be. If an author does decide to go ahead and write a fantasy with a theme in mind, the balance between entertainment and social commentary will be a delicate one. They should construct their narrative with carefully chosen building blocks, ensuring each element supports the overall structure and message, rather than propping it up with ill-fitting and unstable pieces.

In conclusion, the question of theme first or story first is a topic in writing people may not think a lot about. Both approaches have their strengths and weaknesses. However, I believe that prioritizing story over theme is more likely to result in a narrative that is both engaging and meaningful. By allowing the themes to emerge organically from the story, writers can create narratives that are authentic, nuanced, and ultimately more impactful. While it is commendable to want to make a statement through one's writing, the most effective way to do so is to tell a compelling story, and let the themes speak for themselves. The magic of fantasy lies in its ability to transport us to other worlds, and if handled by a writer with great skill, its ability to illuminate our own. And that illumination is best achieved through a story that resonates with truth and authenticity, not one that is manipulated to fit a pre-conceived agenda.

Fellow dreamer. Thank you for taking the time to read my perspective. I welcome all of your thoughts and comments. Just submit them through the contact form. Take care and safe travels!