I absolutely love that you guys are leading the reader through your series with theme. That's smart smart smart!

That's a damn good theme! But I think it is the personal themes that will most draw in your readers and keep them coming back.

Yes, exactly. But for my WIP I now have a better idea of the theme as I'm working on the first draft, and it sure helps me keep the book focused.

I was at an event talking to someone, explaining my book, and during the conversation, I had a revelation about the whole book and it opened up: trope to theme.

Probably works more in romance than some other genres.

It's truly a form of brilliance, Andrea, to have the theme just "show up." I hear it again and again with pantsers, and it's amazing.

I'll bet as a medical professional, story DNA is more tangible to you than a lot of other ways to put it. I'm a nurse's daughter so it was for me too. There are so many intangibles with writing that focusing on the tangibles really smooths it out for me.

Laura commented above that her brain likes to be lost. (She also likes to jump out of planes, so I think it's just in her wiring.) I HATE to be lost. I don't mind not knowing exactly where I'm going, but I do not like to be lost. And while I don't want to outline a plot, I do want a map and some guideposts. For me, the story's DNA elements, including theme, provide that map.

That's why that book is the best, Laura. It has the most of your big beautiful heart. <3

*blows kisses*

Writing to a theme is a great way to guide yourself through NaNo. I love that idea! And you are getting my wheels turning for another post... (thank you!)