The point of a story is not expressed by what happens externally in the plot. How does your character change from beginning to end? But, if not, don’t worry-there are two more ways you can come up with and develop your theme.

Your answers to these questions will no doubt hold the key to your story’s theme. What kind of change would you like to see in the world? Why?.What vices scare you? What vices do you dislike? Why?.What virtues do you personally value? What virtues do you think are undervalued? Why?.What’s a general question you’re always asking or wondering about life?.What issues do you constantly think about? Which issues get under your skin? (Political issues, rape, murder, animal abuse, relationship issues, disease, war, alcoholism, white lies, infidelity, etc.).

Do you have something to say about life, the world, or about human nature? What is it?.

What point are you trying to make? What are you trying to prove or disprove?.

Why do you want to tell this particular story?.

You might only have the slightest idea of the plot, or some small insight into one of your characters, but chances are, they already know what they want to say about a certain subject.Īnd, for many of us, the reason we write is because we have something to say about life, or the world, or human nature, and we want others to see the world the way we do. So, when working with my private coaching clients, some of the first questions I ask are: Most stories start with a spark of an idea. What do you have to say about life, the world, or human nature? Theme is why it happens.ģ Ways to Figure Out Your Theme: 1. In other words, plot is what happens in your story. Theme is the overall message you want readers to take away from your story. It’s the meaning behind the story and is expressed through what happens in the plot and through your character’s internal and external journeys. But first, let’s talk about what theme is…

Simple writer theme