While working on my first novel, “Spring” (PublishAmerica: 2005), as well as the subsequent books in the series, “Summer” (Baico: 2007), “Autumn” (Baico: 2009), and “Winter” (Baico: 2012), I never gave any thought to the idea of ‘theme.’ Why would I? I was writing a story (or a series of stories) all based on music and classical musicians. Looking back, however, I have come to realize that each of my stories in this series had an underlying theme, a message: the power of music and how it defines life.

I’m not sure if I have actively defined a theme at the outset of writing my stories, but the theme is always there. Now that I realize the importance of the theme, I make a point of starting with a definite theme. The theme is, after all, the central element of the narrative, the underlying message of the story, the backbone that gives the story both direction and purpose. So, how do I define my theme before starting to write? Well, I have the story idea in my mind. To establish my theme, I challenge myself to write one single sentence to explain the story’s theme. Here are some themes to consider:

Human conflict with nature

Human conflict with society

Good versus evil

Overcoming adversity both within and without – triumphing over life’s struggles

The power and the sacrifice of friendship

The power and the sacrifice of family

Love – romantic, situational, family, general sense of caring for another living creature

The cycle of life and the intricate connection between life and death

Given the above list of possible themes, I’ve redefined the theme of my novels, “Spring,” “Summer,” “Autumn,” and “Winter.” The theme “The power of music and how it defines life” fits well under the category of “overcoming adversity within or without.” So my one-sentence theme? “The power of music defines life through all its adversities, both within and without.” If I can’t define my theme in one sentence, then perhaps I really don’t know what my theme is.

While defining my theme, I remind myself that the theme is not the plot. Although the two are often easily confused, I tell myself that the plot is what the characters do; the theme is the underlying message or moral, an opinion on life, human nature, or specific elements of society, in the case of my novels, music. The theme is present in every genre of literature.

So, do you start with the plot of the story or the theme? I now make sure to start with both, adhering to the power of theme in the overall presentation of my story. And where do I find these themes? Everywhere. Like story ideas, themes are all around us. All you have to do is pay attention, be alert, observe, and listen to the news, and pay attention to what goes on in your family, church, and neighborhood.

You might believe that your story has more than one theme. If that’s the case, perhaps your story isn’t solid enough. Some stories have the potential to create thousands of side themes. But the real story depends on your one simple sentence, the underlying theme, or the message. What I’ve learned? Don’t start writing my story until I know what my theme is, my one-sentence theme. And then stick to it!