Theme Confusion: Clarify It for Your Readers

Like a thesis in an essay, your story’s theme ties everything together. But finding that thread isn’t 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? 

Streamline to fit the dominant theme. If that doesn’t work, the issue might lie elsewhere. This week, I’m here to help you troubleshoot and fix it fast!

Your First Steps

• Reflect on Personal Interests and Passions

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.

• Identify the Story’s Core Message

Ask yourself: What do I want readers to feel, learn, or experience? Your theme often stems from the story’s overarching message or central question.

• Consider Your Target Audience

Think about who you’re writing for and what themes might resonate with them. Different genres and age groups often gravitate toward specific themes.

• Explore Genre Expectations

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.

• Brainstorm and Experiment

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.

• Look for Universal Relevance

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.

• Test the Theme Against Your Plot Idea

Make sure the theme fits seamlessly with your plot and characters. It should support the story’s direction, not feel forced or out of place.

Inkitt’s Suggestions for Your Future Book

Cowboys Solving a Mystery With Rogue Interstellar Aliens?

Sounds epic, but it’s definitely in between genres.

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. 

Where to Begin

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. 

That said, I’m a bit hypocritical here—I don’t outline much myself. 

I prefer daydreaming about a concept for months before diving in. If you’re 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.

Read Other Books in Your Chosen Genre

I’m obviously not saying to rip off other authors (that’s never okay), but you can absolutely emulate their pacing, tone, and styles.

If you zoom in on reading a bunch of YA science fiction before drafting your own, you’ll know exactly what the industry standard is. 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. 

Write a Theme You Like to Read!

At the end of the day, you have to love what you’re writing. And of course, there’s 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.

So if you don’t plan on following through with those, then you better do so purposely – and only because you have something way better in mind. Be a trailblazer – absolutely! Just don’t do it accidentally. That would paint you like an amateur hack, when in reality, you’re a visionary with less publishing under your belt. But as with all things in life, time heals all.

Honor Your Passions First

Building on my last point, market research—like keywords, hashtags, and forums—can 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’s the catch: always write what you love. Some suggest catering to a market, especially for traditional publishing, but I disagree. That’s just selling out. My advice? Learn from the greats, but write the stories you dream of.

Final Thoughts

To choose a theme, start by asking yourself what you want to explore. 

What’s the big idea or emotion you want readers to take away? 

Next, think about the genre that complements that theme—romance, fantasy, mystery, or maybe a mix of two (just don’t go overboard). Finally, research what works in your chosen genre and identify any gaps you can fill with your unique voice. Remember, simplicity and focus are key to crafting a story that sticks.