The Best Book Themes for Your Novel
By rhiannon richardson
editor, published author, and writing teacher.
Writing a compelling book with interesting themes is no easy feat. It requires creativity, dedication, and hard work to craft an engaging story that draws readers in and keeps them wanting more. One of the most important decisions you will make as a writer is choosing your book themes.
Exploring the Best Book Themes for Writers
Choosing the right book themes can help you stay organized and create a cohesive narrative throughout your story. Here are some of the best book themes that you should consider when writing your next novel.
Book Themes: Mystery & Suspense
Mystery and suspense are popular genres that draw readers in with intriguing plots and unexpected twists. These books often have crime-solving elements, such as solving a murder or uncovering a conspiracy. A great example of this type of book themes is Harper Lee’s classic novel, To Kill a Mockingbird. This timeless story follows two children as they try to unravel the mysterious circumstances surrounding an African-American man accused of rape in 1930s Alabama.
Book Themes: Romance
The romance genre has been popular for centuries, from Jane Austen’s classics to Nicholas Sparks’ tearjerkers. These stories typically follow two characters who fall passionately in love while overcoming obstacles along the way, whether it be social class differences, family issues, or any other kind of conflict. No matter what kind of romance novel you write, it should always have book themes with an emotional core that resonates with readers and leaves them feeling satisfied at its conclusion—after all, one of the most essential romance tropes is that of the HEA, or the happily ever after.
Book Themes: Fantasy & Science Fiction
Fantasy and science fiction books explore fantastical worlds filled with magical creatures and futuristic technology, respectively, and this creates unique settings for readers to explore and become immersed in another world. Fantasy novels often use mythology or folklore as inspiration for their plotlines while science fiction books typically focus on technological advances or scientific theories as their foundation for storytelling. Writing theme that aligns with these purposes is important.
Choosing the right book themes for your novel is essential if you want to create an engaging story that resonates with readers. Whether it be mystery and suspense, romance, fantasy and science fiction—there is something out there for everyone! With these great book themes outlined here, you can start drafting your next masterpiece today.
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craft your best story
Do you want to tell a compelling story that resonates with readers? Let author and editor Rhiannon Richardson help you take your writing to the next level. With her expertise in middle grade, young adult, picture book, and memoir, she can guide you to your best story.
