on Live Write Thrive:

Theme is the quiet but essential heartbeat that gives depth and meaning to narratives. It’s the invisible thread that weaves together the tapestry of storytelling, providing a unifying purpose beyond the surface plot and characters. Theme is what elevates a story from being merely entertaining to becoming thought-provoking and resonant.

Hard to believe, but very little is written on theme in fiction. To me, theme is the heart of a story, and without this “heartbeat” thumping through the pages, it’s hard for readers to be emotionally moved. Donald Maass famously said: “Readers read to care.” Theme is what makes them care. (If this topic interests you, be sure to check out my book Writing the Heart of Your Story, which goes deeply into theme in fiction).

But what exactly is theme in fiction? At its core, theme is the central message, idea, or insight that a story conveys. It’s the underlying concept or question that the narrative explores, the core around which characters, plot events, and symbols revolve. Themes in fiction are like hidden currents that give depth and direction to a story. When skillfully woven into the narrative, they can elevate a tale from mere entertainment to a thought-provoking experience.

However, integrating theme into your story can be tricky, and there are pitfalls to avoid along the way.

Here are five tips and the common pitfalls to steer clear of when working with themes: