Finding your theme

The movie “Star Wars” (now “Episode IV: A New Hope”) works not primarily because of the effects, or the music, but because those things reinforced a central theme that resonated powerfully with the audience.

 

In fact, all of your verbal pyrotechnics, extrapolations, witty dialogue and clever plotting will mean little or nothing unless they trigger emotional responses.

 

How do you do this?

 

Just write your story.  The first draft should be having fun, just tearing it off if possible.  If a...