{"id":8835,"date":"2024-11-25T12:15:44","date_gmt":"2024-11-25T17:15:44","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/degfhkjgfjhf.inkitt.com\/?p=8835"},"modified":"2024-11-29T08:17:58","modified_gmt":"2024-11-29T13:17:58","slug":"theme-confusion-clarify-it-for-your-readers","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/writersblog-backend.inkitt.com\/theme-confusion-clarify-it-for-your-readers\/","title":{"rendered":"Theme Confusion: Clarify It for Your Readers"},"content":{"rendered":"\r\n
Like a thesis in an essay, your story’s theme ties everything together. But finding that thread isn\u2019t always easy, especially with multiple plotlines or genre-bending characters. Most books center around a few key themes that anchor them within a genre. When those themes clash, problems arise.<\/span><\/p>\r\n The solution?\u00a0<\/span><\/em><\/p>\r\n Streamline to fit the dominant theme. If that doesn\u2019t work, the issue might lie elsewhere. This week, I\u2019m here to help you troubleshoot and fix it fast!<\/span><\/p>\r\n Think about topics, ideas, or emotions that resonate deeply with you. What excites or inspires you? A personal connection to your theme makes it easier to write with authenticity and passion.<\/span><\/p>\r\n <\/b>Ask yourself: What do I want readers to feel, learn, or experience? Your theme often stems from the story\u2019s overarching message or central question.<\/span><\/p>\r\n Think about who you\u2019re writing for and what themes might resonate with them. Different genres and age groups often gravitate toward specific themes.<\/span><\/p>\r\n Research the typical themes within your chosen genre. This helps you align your story with reader expectations while identifying opportunities to add your unique twist.<\/span><\/p>\r\n Write down ideas, keywords, or phrases that come to mind. Let your imagination run wild before narrowing it down to one or two central themes.<\/span><\/p>\r\n Choose a theme that can connect with a wide audience, even if your story is niche. Universal ideas like love, growth, identity, or sacrifice tend to resonate broadly.<\/span><\/p>\r\n Make sure the theme fits seamlessly with your plot and characters. It should support the story\u2019s direction, not feel forced or out of place.<\/span><\/p>\r\n Sounds epic<\/strong>, but it\u2019s definitely in between genres. <\/span><\/p>\r\n You can usually determine where it would best fit by employing the help of beta readers. Tell them the genre is uncertain, and you want to know how they would shelve it. That kind of blind read should help you learn both more about your story, as well as how casual readers would perceive it.<\/strong>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\r\n If starting feels hard, you might be jumping the gun. Outlining more could help, giving your brain time to catch up and pace the story properly.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\r\n That said, I\u2019m a bit hypocritical here<\/em>\u2014I don\u2019t outline much myself.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\r\n I prefer daydreaming about a concept for months before diving in. If you\u2019re a Type A personality like me, an imaginary outline might work better for organic idea development. But if a concrete plan suits you, go for it! Writing is all about trial and error.<\/span><\/p>\r\n I\u2019m obviously not saying to rip off other authors (that\u2019s never okay), but you can absolutely emulate their pacing, tone, and styles. <\/span><\/p>\r\n If you zoom in on reading a bunch of YA science fiction before drafting your own, you\u2019ll know exactly what the industry standard is<\/strong>. Then you can add your own spin and flair into that theme to help your fans recognize your work no matter where they see it.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\r\n At the end of the day, you have to love what you\u2019re writing. And of course, there\u2019s no rule saying that you must stay in only one genre. The purpose of this article is merely to remind you that readers are going to have certain expectations when they see a certain theme. <\/span><\/p>\r\n So if you don\u2019t plan on following through with those, then you better do so purposely \u2013 and only because you have something way better in mind. Be a trailblazer<\/strong> \u2013 absolutely! Just don\u2019t do it accidentally. That would paint you like an amateur hack, when in reality, you\u2019re a visionary with less publishing under your belt. But as with all things in life, time heals all.<\/span><\/p>\r\n Building on my last point, market research\u2014like keywords, hashtags, and forums\u2014can help you grow. Using these tools lets you shape your theme and genre into something solid. Study best-sellers and learn their strategies, but here\u2019s the catch: always write what you love. Some suggest catering to a market, especially for traditional publishing, but I disagree. That\u2019s just selling out. My advice? Learn from the greats, but write the stories you dream of.<\/span><\/p>\r\n To choose a theme, start by asking yourself what you want to explore<\/strong>.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\r\n What\u2019s the big idea or emotion you want readers to take away?\u00a0<\/span><\/i><\/p>\r\n<\/blockquote>\r\n Next, think about the genre that complements that theme<\/strong>\u2014romance, fantasy, mystery, or maybe a mix of two (just don\u2019t go overboard). Finally, research what works in your chosen genre<\/strong> and identify any gaps you can fill with your unique voice. Remember, simplicity and focus are key to crafting a story that sticks.<\/span><\/p>\r\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Like a thesis in an essay, your story’s theme ties everything together. But finding that thread isn\u2019t always easy, especially with multiple plotlines or genre-bending characters. Most books center around a few key themes that anchor them within a genre. When those themes clash, problems arise. The solution?\u00a0 Streamline to fit the dominant theme. If<\/p>\nYour First Steps<\/span><\/h2>\r\n
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Reflect on Personal Interests and Passions<\/b><\/h4>\r\n<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n
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Identify the Story\u2019s Core Message<\/b><\/h4>\r\n<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n
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Consider Your Target Audience<\/b><\/h4>\r\n<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n
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Explore Genre Expectations<\/b><\/h4>\r\n<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n
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Brainstorm and Experiment<\/b><\/h4>\r\n<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n
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Look for Universal Relevance<\/b><\/h4>\r\n<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n
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Test the Theme Against Your Plot Idea<\/b><\/h4>\r\n<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n
Inkitt\u2019s Suggestions for Your Future Book<\/h2>\r\n
Cowboys Solving a Mystery With Rogue Interstellar Aliens?<\/h3>\r\n
Where to Begin<\/h3>\r\n
Read Other Books in Your Chosen Genre<\/h3>\r\n
Write a Theme You Like to Read!<\/h3>\r\n
Honor Your Passions First<\/h3>\r\n
Final Thoughts<\/span><\/h2>\r\n
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