Thanks for responding to my message, Julie. I’m glad our thought patterns and interests seem to connect or overlap in several areas.
I agree with you that the word “saudade” would be difficult to use as a writing theme, since it doesn’t have a distinct translation in English (or in any other language that I know of). Part of the charm with the word is that it is elusive, but it could cause practical problem in this context.
I feel hesitant to ask Voice.club to change their policy with writing themes. Instead, I would suggest another word, which might include the sense of saudade for those who feel inclined to write about that kind of mental state.
How about “Missing” as a theme”? That word could give ideas for writing in all kinds of direction, including a nostalgia for things, persons, experiences that are lost. Maybe one also can miss what one never had, just like “saudade” implies.
What do you think?