Why Theme in Writing Is Important

One of the main building blocks in your story that you don’t actually spend time on in the writing process.

The abstract thing that can destroy or make a story

Theme. When overlooked will make the story feel flat, and when overemphasized feels like the author pushes their own agenda onto the reader. Either way, it can destroy a good story.

Done right though, it can make the story stick with the reader long after the last page has been turned.

Together with characters and plot, it’s the final piece that makes a story. The theme is the emotional glue that makes your story interesting.

Theme vs. Statements

There can be many themes in a book but there shouldn’t be more than one overarching statement (main theme). I will use my own book as an example because it's not finished and will only be released in Norwegian so I'm in no danger of its coming off as a sales pitch.

In my book, there are several themes but only one clear statement that I want the readers to feel.

Themes

Theme 1: Friendship through generations.