About Quote by Diane Johnson
“A novel's whole pattern is rarely apparent at the outset of writing, or even at the end; that is when the writer finds out what a novel is about, and the job becomes one of understanding and deepening or sharpening what is already written. That is finding the theme.”
About This Quote
Source Book: The Last of the Red Hot Lovers by Diane Johnson, 1975
Writers often discover a novel’s true theme only after drafting, then must refine and deepen it.
In simple terms: Writers find and sharpen a story’s theme during revision.
Key Takeaway
Embrace revision to uncover and enhance your story’s core.
Themes
writing
revision
thematic development
creative process
Mood
reflective
determined
inquisitive
Type
literary
process
advice
When to use this quote
- novel drafting
- editing
- workshop feedback
- self‑editing
- authorial reflection
Key Concepts
narrative structure
theme identification
deepening meaning
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you identify the core theme in a messy draft?
- What techniques help you deepen a discovered theme?
A Different Perspective
If the initial draft is too vague, the theme may remain hidden despite revisions.
