Creative Writing: Theme

Module 6: Theme

Metaphor, Moral, Motif and More — Build Meaning That Resonates

What makes a story stick with you long after you’ve read the final page? Often, it’s not just the plot or the characters — it’s the theme. The deep emotional undercurrent. The moral journey. The message that resonates.

In this thought-provoking and richly layered session, Iain McKinnon explores how theme gives your writing direction, cohesion, and power. More than just a message or moral, theme is the unifying force that shapes every element of your story — from your character’s arc to the imagery you use.

Using examples from classic and contemporary literature, and practical story exercises, you’ll learn to identify, clarify, and embed theme across every layer of your narrative.

In this workshop, you'll:

• Understand the difference between theme, moral, motif, and allegory
• Learn how to “frame” your story to deliver a powerful takeaway without preaching
• Use symbolism, repetition, and metaphor to reinforce your story’s deeper message
• Discover how subplots and supporting characters can mirror or challenge the protagonist’s journey
• Explore techniques such as stated reversals, reflections of the future, and thematic resonance

This session offers essential insights for writers who want to create stories that feel purposeful, cohesive, and emotionally impactful — the kind of stories readers think about long after they’ve finished the book.

All workshop materials and theme-building tools are available at www.iain-mckinnon.com to support your writing after the session.

Whether you're building an allegorical dystopia or a romantic drama, this workshop will help you write with greater depth, clarity, and creative intent.

Module 1: Introduction to Creative Writing, Rules & PURPOSE
Module 2: Metrics, Motivation & Productivity
Module 3: What is a Novel & Genre
Module 4: Plot
Module 5: Character
Module 6: Theme
Module 7: Word Choice
Module 8: Writing Scenes – SORCA
Module 9: Dialogue
Module 10: World Building
Module 11: Language Building
Module 12: Narrative Positioning & Description over Exposition
Module 13: Concept Mapping
Module 14: Constraint and Creativity
Module 15: Defamiliarization & NLP
Module 16: Suspense, Tension, Hooks & Cliffhangers & LOCK
Module 17: Editing
Module 18: Drafting your Novel with ChatGPT
Module 19: From Hook to Inbox: Blurbs, Synopses & Query Letters for Novelists
Module 20: Author Function – Social Media Guide

http://www.iain-mckinnon.com

Secure your spot today and let's embark on this transformative writing course together!