Just look back after your first draft. If you’ve drawn the story from a topic or clichéd theme, you might just find a real pearl in there.

Great themes involve topics most of humanity faces: love, death, sacrifice, triumph. See the list above. The writer should have something to

Subplots stand out because they deviate from the main narrative. And like every other part of a good story, the subplot should address the t

Your protagonist should have an internal and external need. Both needs are connected through the theme. So if your theme is working, most of

What did the protagonist learn at the end of the story?

Of course, there are many different ways to write. But I prefer to design the broad strokes and then adapt to inspiration as it strikes. So

So what does the theme do for your story? Everything.

Your theme is the connective tissue between the internal and external needs of your protagonist. Allow me to translate.

The theme is the central controlling idea of your story. It’s why you decided to write it. And that’s why it’s so personal to a writer.

Theme is one of the least known, least taught and least understood of all the tools in a writer’s toolbox. But without a doubt, the most pow