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Have you read or heard about the through-line? Dictionary.com defines it as “a theme or idea that runs from the beginning to the end of a book, film, etc.”
Up until recently, I hadn't heard of this through-line, so I did some research. It seems that the through-line is used a lot by those involved with screenwriting and movie making. The through-line of a script is the journey from the beginning of the story to the end. It is the main premise that pulls the story through all of the obstacles that the protagonist faces along the way. The driving force of the plot. Think of a train leaving point A and traveling to point Z. It may stop along the trip, but it doesn’t derail if all goes well. The main character or protagonist on this train journeys through the story. The driving force of the story is always clear. Kind of a cool image, don’t you think? This is helpful for someone like me who has a tendency to get off track and wander (dare I say ramble?) at times when I'm writing.
I’m betting that considering the through-line will keep me more focused as I write and as I read. How about you?
I've never heard of the line through, but I think it's brilliant! I can see how thinking of the story in these terms would help us stay "on track".
ReplyDeleteThrough-line sounds kind of like the theme. I like the image of a train, very helpful.
ReplyDeleteI have the opposite problem--I tend to be a little too focused on the through-line, and need to build in subplots and side trips!
ReplyDeletegreat post! Ive never heard of the through-line but i think it's a great element to add to any story.
ReplyDeletenutschell
www.thewritingnut.com
I usually have 1 major thing and a couple others going on, but in the end, I have to cut everything that does not pertain to the main issue in some shape or form. Maybe it's a good thing to write out the main idea as a means of staying focused on it.
ReplyDeleteJulie and Bish: I'm happy to read I'm not the only one who was not familiar with the term "through-line." : )
ReplyDeleteInteresting how you stay too focused on the through-line, Jennifer. Writing is never easy, is it?
Welcome, Nutschell! I'm not surprised that you're familiar with the through-line.
J.L., I agree that it's a good idea to write out the main idea in order to stay focused. At least, this works for me. : )
Thanks for the great comments, everyone!
I don't think I've heard of this either but I love the name. I can really envision is pulling you through the story to the end.
ReplyDeleteI am a rambler too. What would we do without revision:)
Hi Deana! Oh, I really can't imagine writing without revisions. Scary thought, actually. ; ) Which is why the through-line made so much sense to me. Thanks for your comment.
ReplyDeleteI haven't heard of this, but I love it. Sometimes the main character's goal isn't clear in my wips, or I go off on tangents.
ReplyDeleteI understand the tangents, Medeia. And I've been known to lose track of the main character's goal, as well. That's why, I think, the through-line caught my attention. : )
ReplyDeleteHuh, I hadn't heard this term. I think tho, the more I learn about writing, the more I see how screenwriting & techniques for it are so helpful to fiction writers. There is a lot we can learn from screenwriters.
ReplyDeleteAngela @ The Bookshelf Muse
So true, Angela. One of my favorite writing books is STORY: Substance, Structure, Style, and The Principals of Screenwriting, by Robert McKee. I think it's a great book for writers of fiction.
ReplyDelete