Every writer has their own unique voice, a lens through which they perceive the world and craft their stories. At the moment, I actually have three, a different voice for each pen name, but even then, they’re extremely similar because they’re all me. This voice often gives rise to recurring themes that weave through my body of work. Sometimes, without me even knowing it’s happening. Quite often, but not always, these themes mirror my personal beliefs and experiences that have shaped me as an author. As you’ve read my stories, either by Robbie Cox, R.C. Wynne, or Morgan Quinn, you may have noticed these themes. That’s what I want to share with you today.
The Power of Recurring Themes:
Recurring themes are the hidden currents beneath the surface of my storytelling. They’re the ideas, concepts, or emotions that I find myself returning to time and time again in my writing. I bet you’ve noticed a few of them because they actually sprinkle most of my speech, as well as my actions. While they may not always be immediately apparent, I’ve discovered that identifying these themes can be a powerful tool for, not only self-discovery, but also with connecting with you, my readers, on a deeper level.
Exploring My Recurring Themes:
The Importance of Family: In all my stories, the importance of family often plays a central role, serving as a foundation to the narrative or quite often as a character itself. This theme reflects my deep reverence belief that the family is the foundation for life, the stepping stone and school that teaches us how to behave and molds us into the adults we become, whether for good or bad.
Identity and Self-Discovery: The journey of self-discovery is a thread that weaves through many of my characters’ arcs, following them as they learn who they are and what’s their purpose in life. Whether it’s Adira in Destined Mates finding out who she is so she can repair her magic or Rhychard in Warrior Forged trying to find out who he is without Renny, everyone is searching for the meaning of their life. This theme mirrors my own quest for self-understanding and the belief that we are all on a journey to uncover our true selves amidst life's complexities and challenges. I also think that there’s always something new to learn about ourselves, and even when we die, we won’t know it all.
Resilience and Overcoming Adversity: I frequently explore the resilience of the human spirit and the capacity to overcome adversity in my writing. Let’s face it, we’re all dealing with something, and sometimes, writing helps me work out how to deal with the chaos that could be happening around me. As such, this theme draws from my own experiences of facing and surmounting challenges, as well as my admiration for individuals who demonstrate remarkable strength in the face of adversity.
The Diversity of Relationships: The complexities of relationship dynamics and the significance of those relationships are themes that resonate deeply with me. Love is never to be stuffed in a box and pointed to as the only way to love someone, and I love to share the various types of relationships in my writing and how freeing it is to embrace whomever you want to embrace. This even extends to friendship, and the importance of loyalty and trust that grows between individuals over time and through difficult circumstances. My own experiences within my family and the relationships I've formed over the years have shaped my belief in the transformative power of human connections. My inner circle may be small, but there is nothing I wouldn’t do for them, nor they for me. We all need those people in our life.
Social Justice and Equity: Social justice issues often find their way into my narratives, reflecting my commitment to advocating for a fair and equitable society. These themes align with my personal belief in the importance of using storytelling as a means to shed light on injustices and inspire positive change. We can learn—and teach—a lot through fiction as long as the reader truly reads the words.
The Intersection of Personal and Creative Identity:
As a writer, the themes that recur in my work are not only a reflection of my personal beliefs and experiences but also a source of self-expression and exploration. They serve as a bridge between my inner world and the stories I share with my readers. Even if I don’t believe it, I write about it as a way to expose it for the danger I feel it to be. Through these themes, I hope to connect with others who share similar values and experiences, fostering a sense of understanding and kinship, as well as enjoy a spicy adventure.
Exploring recurring themes in my writing is a journey of self-discovery and an invitation to connect with readers on a profound level. By delving into these themes, I not only gain insight into my own beliefs and experiences but also create stories that resonate with the hearts and minds of those who embark on this literary journey with me. In the end, these themes become the tapestry that ties my creative identity to the wider world, weaving a narrative that is both deeply personal and universally meaningful. And if you’ve gone on this journey with me, I hope you’ve enjoyed it.
Until next time, happy reading!
Robbie & the FGR Team
