How to Write THEME Into Your Story

Theme: the backbone of every good story. Theme gives a story meaning not only to the characters, but to you – the reader. And as writers, we all want to write powerful truths into our stories... but how do we make a theme powerful and not preachy? That's what today's episode of WritersLife Wednesday is all about! I'm showing you my exact 5-step process for weaving powerful and thought-provoking theme into your stories.

Comment below and tell me: what is YOUR story's theme?

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✨ V A L U A B L E R E S O U R C E S✨

MORE VIDEOS YOU WOULD LIKE:

→ HOW TO WRITE DUAL POVS

→ HOW TO PACE YOUR STORY

→ HOW TO WRITE POWERFUL SIDE CHARACTERS

→ HOW TO WRITE A SHOCKING PLOT TWIST

✨F O L L O W ✨

✨ A B O U T ✨
My name is Abbie Emmons I teach writers how to make their stories matter by harnessing the power and psychology of storytelling, transforming their ideas into a masterpiece, and creating a lifestyle that makes their author dreams come true.

Story isn’t about “what happens” — it’s about how what happens affects and transforms the characters. I believe that there is an exact science (a recipe, if you will) behind a perfect story. And if you know what ingredients you need, you can create your own perfect story with ease and confidence. That’s what we talk about every week on this channel – and if it’s something you’re into, be sure to subscribe and join this community!

[leopoldoarzadum]

It all make sense when you start from the theme. But sometimes you already have characters and a story beforehand so you may struggle triying to understand whats the theme. Then I recommend to ask "what did your protagonist learned from this" you will find your theme there. Its crazy 'cos you may find really profund and personal themes this way.

[akashsandhu]

Abbie: You'll need a notebook
Me: Pfft! I don't need a notebook, I have a good memory.
Abbie: Point number 1:-
Me: Where's the notebook

[MaryIhla]

My theme: Where you came from isn't as important as who you become.

[JayBug-njqp]

My theme is: “Control isn’t everything, you can’t control life. You learn from it.” My protagonist has control of her life at the beginning but with each chapter she loses it little by little. Eventually learning that bad things happen, it’s life. All you can do is just reflect and learn.

[sanahaquil]

My story's theme: "You don't have to be perfect to be worthy of love."

[SamekySantos]

my mc misbelief: I'll not be happy unless I find the right place for me

Cause: he doesn't fit on the society. He doesn't feel complete. He tries to fit, fails (because he doesn't feel complete), reject that society and leave.

my truth: when you are with the right people, any place feels like the right place.

(is that good?)

[ewfahgehajigeamiefma]

My theme: You can't do everything by yourself. You NEED relationships to overcome obstacles.

[debheckmun]

I cried and scribbled my way through this video. Pausing again and again to write. This changed everything for me. My story & MC just came to life finally! I’m at a loss for words to describe how thankful I am to have found you and this video. Thank you. Truly. Liked, Saved & Subscribed!

[velf]

My theme is Redemption. My protagonist believes he is beyond it.

[OnePieceObsessed]

I'd add a step 4.5: Create a moment where the protagonist for the first time doubts the lie, however, isn't yet ready for the full circle transformation.

That is, I mean the moment where the protagonist finally gets a CHANCE to overcome that misbelief, but it's still unclear whether or not this chance will come to fruition in the long run.


High likely happening somewhere on the 2nd half on the 2nd act. Especially, well-written and effective villains/antagonists not only have a decent grasp of what's happening, they also will actively do everything in their might to prevent that transformation from going full circle.

[leigh-anjohnson]

My protagonists believes that people will always choose self-serving over caring for others because because both her parents choose selfish desires over her when she was a child. She perpetuates this belief by acting self-serving herself until as an adult circumstance leads her to takes care of a child in need of help and after some ups and downs, she acts selflessly to protect the child ❤

[bethanyalister]

My theme: it’s okay to not always be okay. Don’t suppress emotions because that only makes you a ticking time bomb

[evdokialife]

Theme = truth
1. Why does your story matter to you?
2. Flip this truth on its head and make it into a lie (protagonist)
3. Find the origin of misbelief
4. Look for patterns
5. Tell the truth

[bayobayo]

Woah. I feel as if I've known all these tips already but had never had the right words for them, so hearing you saying and explaining them so clearly suddenly feels validating. I don't normally leave comments in your videos, but I've loved them from afar for a while, and this one really somehow hit the nail in the head about truths, lies (misbeliefs), and causes. I hope that 100 Days of Sunlight becomes a worldwide success because you are one of the nicest authors I know. Thanks, Abbie. :)

EDIT: Oh wow. I completely forgot I made this comment 3 years ago so coming back to 300+ likes is mind-boggling lmao

[MissEline]

I love how their are like a dozen copies of ‘100 days of sunlight’ on you shelf 😂💛

[AsifHassan]

Theme: Hard work beats talent when talent doesn’t work hard.
Misbelief: If you are not gifted, you are not going to win.

[arsenicandvanilla]

My theme:
You're not here just for youself, you're meant to improve and help the lives of others.

[newlenmedia]

My theme: If you have love, you have everything you need. The lie: Love isn't enough. I have already written the first drafts for the first three novellas and most of the third one in my three-book series. But I had not written my theme or the big lie until now. Thank you Abbie!!!

[memma]

My whole notebook is filled with scribbled notes from your videos. I feel like I have a whole book full of wisdom now!! Thank you!!!

[Pizzacade]

The theme of my book revolves around two statements; Being emotional doesn't make you vulnerable. Acting out in blind anger is acting out in fear.