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Guidelines for writing Poems, Stories and Tales

How to Develop a Theme Before Writing a Novel



How to Develop a Theme for Your Story

  1. Seek Universal Themes. …
  2. Choose a Theme That Sticks With Your Reader. …
  3. Start With Another Story Element. …
  4. Create an Outline. …
  5. Weave Your Theme Throughout the Narrative. …
  6. Include Multiple Themes. …
  7. Don’t Limit Yourself.

How do you come up with a theme for a novel?

How to Discover Your Story’s Theme

  1. Figure Out Your Why. Why are you telling this specific story in this specific way in the first place?
  2. Consider Your Story’s Genre. Each literary genre has its own set of common themes.
  3. Create an Outline. It’s never too late to outline.
  4. Use Motifs.
  5. Use Multiple Themes.





How do writers develop theme?

A book’s theme is usually derived from the emotional development of characters or from the consequences these characters face as a result of their actions. By using your theme in the right way, you end up creating an emotional connection between your readers and characters.

What are 3 ways an author develops a theme?

Themes are developed by authors through the following ways:

  • What happens – key events.
  • Characters – character qualities, character actions and how characters respond to situations may all relate to theme.
  • Character development – the ways characters change, and the lessons they learn indicate themes for the reader.

How do you prepare a novel before writing?

How to Write a Book



  1. Establish a consistent writing space. If you’re going to write a great book, you’re going to need a great space to write.
  2. Hone in on your book idea.
  3. Outline your story.
  4. Do your research.
  5. Start writing and stick to a routine.
  6. Finish your first draft.
  7. Revise and edit.
  8. Write your second draft.

What are the 5 Rules of theme?



That said, there are some agreed upon “rules” of writing theme statements.

  • Don’t include specific characters or plot points. This perspective on life should apply to people and situations outside the story.
  • Don’t be obvious. “War is bad,” is not a theme.
  • Don’t make it advicey.
  • Don’t use cliches.



What are the 5 steps of theme?

Identifying the Theme in Five Steps



Summarize the plot by writing a one-sentence description for the exposition, the conflict, the rising action, the climax, the falling action, and the resolution.

What are the 4 steps to finding a theme?

A 4-Step Plan for Finding Theme

  1. Read the story, and pay attention to the plot and story elements.
  2. Ask yourself “What do people learn from reading this story?” (That’s the theme!)
  3. Turn the theme into a question.
  4. Answer the question. The answers are the supporting details! (Which leads to citing evidence!)


What are 3 ways to determine the theme?

Ask these three questions to find your theme.

  • What is the story about? This is the plot of the story.
  • What is the meaning behind the story? This is usually an abstract result of his actions.
  • What is the lesson? This is a statement about the human condition.





How many themes should a novel have?


Quote from video:

What are the 4 steps to finding a theme?

A 4-Step Plan for Finding Theme

  1. Read the story, and pay attention to the plot and story elements.
  2. Ask yourself “What do people learn from reading this story?” (That’s the theme!)
  3. Turn the theme into a question.
  4. Answer the question. The answers are the supporting details! (Which leads to citing evidence!)




What are 3 ways to determine the theme?

Ask these three questions to find your theme.

  • What is the story about? This is the plot of the story.
  • What is the meaning behind the story? This is usually an abstract result of his actions.
  • What is the lesson? This is a statement about the human condition.



What are examples of themes in a novel?

What are some common themes?

  • Beauty.
  • Good vs. evil.
  • Coming-of-age.
  • Loyalty.
  • Betrayal.
  • Life and Death.
  • Justice.
  • Family.