Define Your Theme and Concept or Plot (Step 1 of 11)
If you already have a character in mind, even a setting, and/or a preferred point of view, you should begin your work by identifying the theme or central idea you wish to explore in your fiction piece. Consider topics that resonate with you and others or societal issues you want to address. The theme will serve as the guiding force for your story, shaping the characters, conflicts, and overall narrative structure.
Defining a Theme
A theme is the central idea or underlying message of a work of fiction. It is what the author is trying to say about the world or about human nature. Themes can be universal, meaning that they apply to all people and all cultures. Or, they can be more specific, addressing a particular issue or problem.
There are many different ways to define a theme. One way is to look at the characters and their actions. What are they struggling with? What are they trying to achieve? Another way to define a theme is to look at the setting and the plot. What does the setting reveal about the characters and their motivations? What does the plot tell us about the theme?
Once a writer has defined a theme, they can use it to guide their writing. They can make sure that the characters, setting, and plot all support the theme. They can also use the theme to create conflict and suspense.
Concept or Plot
The concept or plot of a work of fiction is the overall storyline. It is the sequence of events that the author has created. The concept or plot should be interesting and engaging, and it should support the theme of the story.
There are many different ways to come up with a concept or plot. One way is to brainstorm ideas. Write down any ideas that come to mind, no matter how crazy they seem. Once you have a few ideas, you can start to narrow them down and develop them further.
Another way to come up with a concept or plot is to draw inspiration from real life. Pay attention to the people and events around you. What are the challenges that people are facing? What are the issues that are important to them? You can use these real-life experiences to create a fictional story that is both relatable and thought-provoking.
Once you have a concept or plot, you can start to flesh it out. Add details about the characters, setting, point of view, and conflict. Make sure that everything flows smoothly and that the story is believable.
Defining a theme and developing a concept or plot are essential steps in the writing process. By taking the time to do these things, writers can create stories that are both meaningful and entertaining. In order to give you more to start with, here are some additional tips for fiction writers:
- Read widely and critically. Pay attention to the themes and concepts of the books you read. How do the authors develop their themes? What techniques do they use?
- Experiment with different writing styles and techniques. There is no one right way to write fiction. Try different things and see what works best for you.
- Get feedback from others. Ask friends, family, or other writers to read your work and give you feedback. This can be helpful in identifying areas where your writing can be improved.
- Don’t be afraid to revise. The first draft of your story is just a starting point. Once you have a draft, take some time to revise it. This will help you catch any errors and make sure your story is the best it can be.
- Keep writing. The more you write, the better you will become at it. So don’t give up. Keep writing and eventually, you will find your voice as a writer.
Also, allow yourself the freedom to explore different ideas and brainstorm before settling on the theme that resonates most strongly with you.
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A Step-by-Step Guide to Writing Good Fiction: Home / Table of Contents
Owen is the creator and author of more than sixty original short stories and counting, including drama, crime, suspense, action and adventure, family, historic fiction, sci-fi, and slices of life. He is also a musician who has written extensively about theory.
