the craft. themes and the bigger picture.

When I sat down to write Good Morning, Love it was not with other people in mind at all. I found myself asking the question, “what happens if a playboy falls in love?” Then I decided to follow that through. It was a selfish pursuit. I had no idea what it would mean to people or what exactly readers would glean from it and I think that is the best way to create.

I see it with music artists all the time where they get stuck in their heads thinking about how something will be received, vs. what it is they want to convey. In my opinion, that’s a dangerous game. When I first started writing, all the research I did told me that I would never even sell my first book so let’s just say the expectations were hopeful, but I was not all the way convinced the story would even see the light of day.

Once the book was in its marketing phase, that’s when the idea of themes and such came into play. And I know everyone writes differently, so maybe you already have this idea of the themes your story is going to touch on, but for me, they came once the story was written. In writing, the story was simply unfolding. The themes that arose came from the authenticity of the characters. Who they were, their job fields, age, location.

Honestly, even when I’m writing feature articles that happens to me. Clearly, if I’m interviewing a subject, it’s for a particular purpose, say their book or whatever great thing they’re hoping to promote. But it’s not until I listen back to write the transcript that I actually know what the hell it is I want to write about. But I never said I was a great journalist, so that may be a terrible thing. Ha!

Back to this book. The idea of mentorship and how Dawn showed up for Carli as a boss but also a guiding figure. Family and how that showed up for Carli throughout the book. Even religion. Which by the way, didn’t stick out to me at all. I was just writing church into the book because that’s what young people in my circle did on Sundays too. These are all themes in the book that I was made more aware of as time went on and most specifically in getting more eyes on the book.

Now, in the opportunities that I get to connect with readers, it’s fascinating what stands out to them in the book. Hearing from them about the things they hold onto that may have been fleeting thoughts in my mind when writing. Of course, there are some important themes but I didn’t hone in on them until a bulk of the work was finished. For instance, it was important to me to show a strong female friendship. I also wanted to showcase Black men in a light where they were flawed and yet still loved deeply. Family being present wasn’t odd for me because of my close relationship with my parents even as an adult.

The story started from a simple question. I didn’t set out to write the themes that naturally developed.

Writing advice is tricky. Because while I think there are amazing things to be shared about craft and approach, it is an individual decision. What I can say is this, do your best to write in a way where you’re lost in the world, the characters, and the story that is most relevant to them. Revision is a time where you can stick your landings, so to speak. To refine the very real themes that will emerge from what you’ve put down on paper. But don’t let that jam you up from the start.

We’re vessels in that way, you know? Like you have to let it flow from you first and then wrap it all up in a pretty bow. That is the magic of revision. You know sometimes I used to wonder, “did they write that top to bottom like that?” Maybe some writers are amazing and do, but for me, it was all about revision to make those themes really stick and those through lines very clear over thousands of words.

Even as we study what makes a great book or have some overall direction. Planners, I see you! Don’t clog the pathway too early in the process. Writing is hard enough without the pressure of themes and what your book is trying to say. Just let it say it, if that makes sense?

Writing/Job Opportunities

Daisy Hernandez is currently looking for writers who have experience covering health, fitness, and gear/product reviews to create content for Sports Illustrated. If you're interested, email work to daisy.hernandez@pillarfour.com.

AP is hiring a Newsperson, Audience Development to expand the reach of their health and science stories.

Marvel Entertainment is hiring an Associate Editor.

National Gallery of Art is hiring a Digital Producer. (90-117k).

Rutgers is hiring a Black Studies Librarian.