Since the weather has limited my picture taking (for the backgrounds), I’ve been re-editing the story. As I’ve gone through it, i’ve fixed sentences here and there, but my main focus has been on the theme/moral. I’ve realized that the theme of my story isn’t defined clearly. There are in fact two themes right now, that stand out to me.
There’s the one theme involving Generosity and the rewards of good Karma. As Azalea ventures through the alleyway, she helps 3 characters in need. Through this act of kindness, she is rewarded with the tools needed to defeat future enemies within the alleyway.
Then there’s the theme of Individuality vs. Conformity. In the beginning of the story, Azalea is somewhat of a follower. She wants to be just like her stepsister’s, and she conforms for their approval. By the end of the story, Azalea realizes that she is special just as she is, and she doesn’t need to try to be like anyone else - especially her conceited, materialistic stepsisters.
While both of these themes are common in children’s books, I feel the need to pick one and do away with the other. I think this could give the story more focus, and “hit home harder” at the end. Individuality seems like a much stronger theme, though Generosity is already built throughout the entire middle of the story. And so, I’ve been back and forth on this issue, and in the end I think I’ll either get rid of the Individuality theme (by changing the beginning and end slightly), or else I’ll just keep both themes, and leave the story as is.
