Congratulations are in order for Julie Musil whose
has a new release - The Summer of Crossing Lines. Julie is here today
discussing how to add thematic symbols to our stories. Without further delay,
here we go …
How
to Add Thematic Symbols to Our Fiction
Thematic symbols add depth and meaning to fiction.
Think fire and bow and arrow with the Hunger Games series. In my latest
release, The Summer of Crossing Lines, there are two
thematic symbols--a giant oak dubbed “The Mary Tree” and police tape.
How should writers choose a symbol? And how can the
symbol be added organically to the story? Here are my thoughts.
•
Choose an object or symbol that’s had
an impact on you. Is there an image from the Bible that resonates with you? Do
Egyptian hieroglyphics fascinate you? Is there an item from nature--an iceburg,
a cavern, bougainvillea--that you find spooky or beautiful?
For The Summer of Crossing
Lines I added a large oak tree that I pass almost every day. It had been burned
out in a wildfire. The remaining trunk resembles the image of Mary looking over
Jesus in the manger. Locals have since turned The Mary Tree into a shrine,
adding photos and flowers to makeshift shelves.
•
Uncover or create meaning behind the
symbol. If it’s an established symbol, like something biblical or Egyptian,
research the meaning behind it. If it’s a symbol you’ve designed, you can
create an intriguing backstory.
At The Mary Tree, people have
set up lawn chairs in a semi-circle. On important holidays, like Christmas,
families gather there. It became a place to pray, hope, and remember. The
meaning had already been established, and I used this to my advantage in my
story.
•
Integrate the symbol into your story.
What does the symbol represent? Inspiration? Bad luck? A dangerous cult? A
family heirloom? When your characters encounter the symbol, either add the
meaning or keep it mysterious by slowly dripping in details.
In my story, The Mary Tree
became a place for reflection. The main character is searching for her missing
brother, and she finds clues at the tree. This symbol served more than one
purpose.
•
Add the symbol to the book cover. With
the thematic symbol on the cover, readers can tie-in the outer image to the one
described in the book. It adds another connection.
Instead of adding The Mary Tree
to the cover, I opted for police tape. “Police Line Do Not Cross” resonated
with me, because my character crosses moral lines while searching for her
missing brother.
I don’t set out to add thematic symbols--they
happen naturally a few drafts in. How about you? Have you added thematic
symbols to your fiction? If so, what? Did it happen naturally or did you plan
it from the start?

Title: The Summer of
Crossing Lines
Author: Julie Musil
Release date: August 19, 2014
Category: Young Adult (YA)
Genre: Contemporary
Mystery
Short Summary

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I like the idea behind the Mary Tree - and where it got its name.
ReplyDeleteI don't think I've used symbolism in my stories. Although the one I'm working on now might actually have one.
Congratulations, Julie!
Alex, it was the coolest thing. Months after the fire, I noticed flowers and candles around the tree. I didn't notice the Mary image until someone else pointed it out to me. Now I definitely see it!
DeleteSubtle symbolism works well. I used it a little bit in my series, mostly to do with the characters' hair.
ReplyDeleteL. Diane, good point about subtlety. I don't start out thinking about symbolism, I just try to recognize it in later drafts and roll with it.
DeleteSymbolism is a hard one and it is good to see Julie explain it here. Congrats to you Julie on your new book!
ReplyDeleteHi Joy!
Denise
Thanks, Denise! Yes, it can definitely be tricky. I think it's best not to use a heavy hand.
DeleteGreat post. I love symbolism and I'm getting better at incorporating it in my writing.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Medeia!
DeleteSymbols add so much texture to stories and I think they do come naturally to us as we write.
ReplyDeleteLee, I agree...if I were to try to force it, I think readers would hate it!
Delete