Overview: The theme of your book is the underlying message or big idea that you want to convey to readers. It’s the central truth or lesson that ties the story together and gives it depth. Themes can be as simple as friendship or courage, or more complex, like overcoming fear or dealing with change. Many stories have more than one theme, and in Made Live, you can select a common theme from the options provided or add your own unique theme. In this article, we’ll explore how to choose and plan the theme of your book to create a story that resonates with readers.
Why the Theme Matters
The theme is what gives your story meaning and connects it to the reader’s emotions and experiences. A well-defined theme can make your story more impactful and memorable, as it gives readers something to think about or learn from. By planning the theme early on, you can ensure that your story’s message is clear and consistent throughout the plot and characters’ actions.
Key Considerations When Planning the Book’s Theme
1. What is the Main Theme of Your Story?
The main theme is the central message or idea that you want readers to take away from your story. It should be something that ties all the events and characters together. Think about the message you want to convey and how the plot and characters support this theme.
- Identify the main theme that represents the story’s message or lesson.
- Ensure that the theme is clear and central to the plot and character development.
Questions to Ask:
- What is the main theme or message of my story?
- Does the theme connect to the plot and characters’ journeys?
2. Are There Additional Themes?
Many stories have more than one theme. For example, a story about friendship might also explore themes of acceptance and trust. Consider whether there are any secondary themes that add depth to your story and support the main theme.
- Identify any additional themes that are present in the story.
- Ensure the secondary themes support the main theme, adding complexity without overshadowing it.
Questions to Ask:
- Are there any secondary themes in my story?
- How do these themes support or enhance the main theme?
3. How Do the Characters and Plot Reflect the Theme?
The theme should be reflected in the characters’ actions, decisions, and growth throughout the story. Think about how the characters’ journeys tie back to the theme and how the plot events reinforce the message or lesson.
- Show how the theme is reflected in the characters’ actions, dialogue, and decisions.
- Use plot events to reinforce the theme, showing how the characters confront or embrace the central message.
Questions to Ask:
- How do the characters’ actions and decisions reflect the theme?
- Does the plot reinforce the message or lesson of the story?
4. Can Readers Relate to the Theme?
Themes are more effective when readers can relate to them on a personal level. Consider whether the theme is something that resonates with your target audience, and how it connects to their experiences and emotions.
- Choose a theme that resonates with your target audience and connects to their emotions or experiences.
- Ensure the theme is accessible and understandable for the age group of your readers.
Questions to Ask:
- Does the theme resonate with my target audience?
- Is the theme accessible and relatable for the readers?
How to Plan the Theme of Your Book
Step 1: Identify the Main Theme
Start by identifying the main theme or message of your story. Think about what you want readers to take away from the story, and how the theme ties the plot and characters together.
Step 2: Consider Secondary Themes
If your story has more than one theme, identify the secondary themes that support or enhance the main theme. Make sure these additional themes don’t distract from the central message.
Step 3: Reflect the Theme in Characters and Plot
Ensure that the theme is reflected in the characters’ actions, decisions, and growth. Use the plot events to reinforce the theme and show how the characters confront or embrace the central message.
Step 4: Choose a Theme in Made Live
In Made Live, you can choose from common themes provided or add your own unique theme. Use this feature to define your story’s message and keep it central as you plan and write your manuscript.
Final Notes:
Planning the theme of your book is an important step in creating a cohesive and meaningful story. By choosing a clear theme that ties the plot and characters together, and ensuring that it resonates with your readers, you’ll create a story that feels impactful and memorable. Use Made Live to select or define your book’s theme, and let it guide your writing process.
