Writing Your Story's Theme

The Writer's Guide to Plotting Stories That Matter (Helping Writers Become Authors)

By: K. M. Weiland

Narrated by: Sonja Field

Theme Is What Your Story Is Really About

Theme—the mysterious cousin of plot and character. Too often viewed as abstract rather than actionable, theme is frequently misunderstood and left to chance. Some writers even insist theme should not be purposefully implemented. This is unfortunate, because in many ways theme is story. Theme is the heart, the meaning, the point. Nothing that important should be overlooked.

Powerful themes are never incidental. They emerge from the conjunction of strong plots and resonant character arcs. This means you can learn to plan and implement theme. In doing so, you will deepen your ability to write not only stories that entertain, but also stories that stay with readers long after the end.

Writing Your Story’s Theme will teach you:

- How to create theme from plot and character.

- Why every supporting character and subplot should enhance the theme.

- How to prevent theme from seeming preachy or “on the nose.”

- What to consider in identifying the best theme for any given story.

- And much more!

Conscious mastery of theme will elevate every story you write and allow you to craft fiction of depth and meaning.

Take Control of Your Story Via a Powerful Implementation of Theme

©2020 K. M. Weiland (P)2024 K. M. Weiland

Awesome info if you get past the drama.

I thought she went through extreme efforts to make it sound nebulous and elusive but then gave great examples to help understand the principles. I think that because there is a wide array of ways to use theme, that doesnt make it hard to understand. So if you can get past the over dramatization it's a good read.

incredibly informative!

A story theme is sometimes easy to find and more often than not just confuses the author. KM Weiland really did every author service by writing this book. It certainly helped me to dodge the obvious potholes in finding my character arcs and will assist me in every stage of writing my story….

Listen Again and Again

I very much appreciate this Lady’s publications on craft and this one is packed with thought keys, pointers toward other learning resources, and a good spirit of self betterment in our art. Theme is a tough planet to land on but Weiland will help you get in a decent orbital pattern. The other books are just as clear, concise, and informative. I bought all the audiobooks and bought them in print too. My not criticism is that I think she’s underselling. These books are worth at least double what she’s charging. The podcast is awesome too. The narrator for these audiobooks is great for them but it’s nice to here Weiland’s authenticity, humility, and love of our craft come through in her own voice. Ok. I have gushed enough I think. But seriously, this is a book to trust.

Amazing breakdown of theme in story

My favorite author on writing. She is extremely clear with her words, which makes consuming her books very enjoyable.

Pinning down the ether

Theme is so hard to pin down and conceptualize, but this book/author does it and more. Clear, concise, effective, and compelling/inspiring. Her other book on character arcs is just as good.