Which themes should stay, which themes should go? - Writers Forum

KeshKesh7 · 02-05-2008, 07:17 PM

I'm writing a vampire novel and have read dozens of vampire-related fiction. After reading so much, I've noticed many trends that repeat themselves over and over again: vampire heirarchies, demigod/physically flawless vamps, guilt ridden vamps, stoic vamps, superstitions, interspecies love, etc.
What fads in fiction annoy the hell out of you as a reader? In your opinion, which ones really give the idea of 'originality' a run for it's money? (one part of the story is original but the rest of it isn't).
What trends/fads (besides the whole blood sucking thing) do you think are important themes? Guilt-ridden vamp? The humanity of the vamp? Dealing with death? Slayers? Science explaining certain aspects of the vamp world?
The reason I'm asking is because my story is kinda radical when it comes to vampire literature, and I'm hoping I haven't leaned over the railing too far to return. Haha.
Thanks!!!
~ K. M. Hepp

Industrial · 02-05-2008, 07:35 PM

Why are you asking which themes to include in your stories, when you say you have already completed it; unless you are planning on making multiple vampire stories.

You asked what themes give me an idea of originality, to answer your question a theme that leaves me with a new outlook on something I long ago dismissed from my mind for further speculation.

Also a theme is more then just how vampires act. You seem to mentions themes such as guilt-ridden vamp, a "guilt-ridden vamp" is not a theme. However Guilt is a theme.

You can never be to radical or lean to much over the rail with your literature, those are words and terms that influence people to instead of speak their mind let their work be shaped by conformity and whats socially acceptable.

Something I would like to look at with a vampire piece would probably be the anguish and affliction of living eternally. You life dependent on others death.

Hope this helped you somewhat.

Shawn · 02-05-2008, 07:36 PM

Those really aren't themes, they're gimmicks.

If anything, fantasy these days is lacking theme. Structure your story around a strong, central message about life and you'll have a convincing novel that is satisfying to read.

Talia_Brie · 02-06-2008, 04:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Shawn

Those really aren't themes, they're gimmicks.

If anything, fantasy these days is lacking theme. Structure your story around a strong, central message about life and you'll have a convincing novel that is satisfying to read.

Seconded.

Ilasir Maroa · 02-06-2008, 07:55 AM

I read a fair amount of vampire fiction. From my experience, the more radical, the better. I'd like something fresh to read about. And pick a theme, not a character sketch.

murder_of_crows · 02-07-2008, 10:45 PM

i dont know if i follow but one thing that bothers me about these kind of books are that to me they are supposed to be scary and there not i say make them as real as you can to seem like it could really happen i would say to stray away from the normal "vamp" charactaristics the things that could really happen are the scariest its like the movie "rear window" that movie was scary as hell to me sorry if this is irrelivant to you question i just had to say it

Feliks · 02-08-2008, 09:46 PM

I would say, to the most feasible extent, get rid of everything than has been done before.

Sometimes, I feel that I read too much, and I cant get an original idea, everything I think of is just a twist off of something else.

What do you do?

Stop reading for a while (oh, sweet heresy!). Or, at least, switch over to non-fiction for a few months. Then, for creative bits, listen to some different music or look at a lot of art. I think you'd end up better of in a creative sense.