Every story, regardless of its length, pulses with literary themes at its heart. So for this week’s edition of “Theme: A Story’s Soul” at DIY MFA, I turn the column’s focus from novels to short stories. With the help of examples from authors Alethea Black and Ted Chiang, we’ll explore how short stories effectively examine their themes despite – or maybe because of – their word count restrictions and smaller “big picture.”
Click here to read “How Themes Are Presented in Short Stories.”
A Note About My Recent Blogging Absence
I’ve had to take some unexpected time off from blogging the past few weeks. Things have been crazy at my day job (which, unfortunately, has led to increased stress and anxiety again 😦 ), and the father of one of my best friends recently passed away. So I might not post anything new here until I’ve caught up on comment replies and made enough progress with my next articles for Writers Helping Writers and DIY MFA. Hopefully I’ll get back to visiting friends’ blogs soon, too, but I’m going to take my time with all of that.
Hope you’re all doing well. Remember to keep writing and reading, be kind to yourselves, and tell the people who matter most to you that you love them. ❤
As always, if you have any comments on the DIY MFA post, or if you have suggestions on theme-related articles you’d like to see in the future, feel free to share them here or at DIY MFA.
Sara Letourneau 
So sorry to hear about your job and your friend’s father. I hope things get better at work.
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Thanks, Briana. I hope so, too.
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Sometimes life takes unexpected turns. Hope things settle down for you soon.
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It definitely does. Thanks for your well wishes, Phoenix. *hugs*
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So sorry to hear that your friend’s dad has passed.
I hope things will lighten for you soon at work.
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Thanks, Zezee. *hugs*
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Sorry to hear about the stress and the passing of your friend’s father. Take your time dealing with the things going on in your life. Self-care is so important. Your readers will be here when you are feeling better and can come back to this place as a place of joyful expression instead of a dreadful obligation.
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Thanks, Mandie. I’m doing better now, though it will still take some time to mentally return to blogging mode… I’m just glad that my friend is doing OK despite everything. It’s going to take time to heal from her father’s passing (and all the responsibilities that come with it, since she was his only child and her parents are divorced), but she showed tremendous strength during it all and the rest of her family supported her the whole time.
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I’m so very sorry you are having a rough time just now. I’m sure your friend is devastated – but at least she has a loyal, thoughtful person at her side… In the meantime, you are in my thoughts, Sara.x
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Thank you, Sarah. Yes, she was devastated. It was especially hard for her because her parents are divorced, and she was his only child. So a lot of the preparations were her responsibility. 😦 But the rest of her family (especially her fiance and her mother) were so supportive that whole week, and I’m glad I was able to take time off from work to attend the funeral.
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That makes it especially hard, doesn’t it. I’m glad you were able to be there for her and hope it hasn’t been too difficult for you, too.x
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I’m so sorry about your friend’s father, and that life has become stressful lately. Here’s a big *HUG*. I wish I could do more to help. I’ll pray for you.
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Thank you, E. The prayers and thoughtfulness are enough on their own. Virtual hugs back at you!
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‘Be kind to yourself.’ Amen! And don’t forget to take your own very good advice, Sara.
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Thank you, John. I’m doing my best. 🙂
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