Thursday, April 8, 2010

More on Themes

Last week, I wrote about my wonderful experience observing a training session of the Small Animal Rescue Team of L.A. Animal Services, and how I’d done some beginners’ rock climbing as a result. Little did I know that rock climbing would suddenly become a small theme in my life!

Okay, so I’m not really a rock climber, not even on that first outing. Even so, I’ve spent more time on the rocks (no, not on ice, or imbibing!) during the last couple of weeks than I have for a very long time.

Last weekend, my husband and I met up with our older son and his wife, and his wife’s family, on a vacation in Phoenix. On Friday, we all drove to Sedona, where we went on a Jeep tour in the desert. A lot of that tour involved off-road driving up and down areas which appeared to be more like paths than roads. Some of those paths went up and down rock-covered precipices. Lots of red dust was kicked up by the Jeep wheels as we chugged, maneuvered, and bumped our way over those rocks. Seemed not only adventurous, but a bit dangerous. Definitely fun.

We also got to a rock mountain that had been occupied by the Sinagua Indians many centuries ago. Homes had been built into the mountainside, and some of the stacked rock walls remained. So did petroglyphs presumably etched into the rocks by the Sinaguas, along with some “historic graffiti” from the early 20th Century that itself had historic significance. And, yes, to get there I had to hike up some rocky areas--fairly tame, though, by the standards set on my SmART expedition.

So... why is my life suddenly so rocky? Does it bode anything for the future, or was it strictly interesting coincidence? I do intend to use both outings as research. I think I know how I’ll use the SmART information, and have some ideas about the Sedona stuff.

I’ve previously blogged on another theme that seemed to be taking over my life: being on panels and giving classes about combining mystery and romance. That seemed a natural focus for me, even though I didn’t necessarily choose to have so much going on at once combining my major writing interests. But rock climbing?

Have you ever found multiple themes appearing in your life? Have you used them in other ways, such as writing research?

10 comments:

Hank Phillippi Ryan said...

Oh, gosh , it happens all the time.

But--just like when you are in a hurry you seem to get al lthe red lights--I wonder if it's that our brains are just noticing the themes and clues--when it's the right time to do so!

Camille Minichino said...

I think it's a result of how open you are to new experiences, Linda.

It's a noble attitude that I need to cultivate!

Linda O. Johnston said...

You're probably right, Hank. Now that I'm noticing, I'll have to keep track of all the other probable coincidences that seem to turn into themes.

Linda O. Johnston said...

Anything for research, Camille!

Joanna Campbell Slan said...

Linda, I think a theme helps your book to "hang together" better. And it emphasizes all your scenes because they have a common thread. I would have loved to have seen the petroglyphs.

Linda O. Johnston said...

The guides gave the current interpretation of the petroglyphs' meaning, Joanna. The interpretations made sense, but there's no one around who can verify their accuracy. All very interesting!

I agree that themes work well in books--and in making a series hang together, too.

Betty Hechtman said...

What an interesting trip, Linda. As for themes - I think we create them by seeing relationships in things in our lives.

Linda O. Johnston said...

Definitely true, Betty. Animals, especially dogs, are a major theme in my life thanks to my writing--and my love for them!

Janie Emaus said...

Your characters always do such interesting things. I think that in your "real" life you don't want to be left out!

Linda O. Johnston said...

Thanks, Janie, but I do believe my characters lead more interesting lives than I do--although sitting in front of a computer a lot can be fun!