Every great novel begins with a strong foundation—its subject. But what exactly is a novel’s subject, and why does it matter so much? If you’ve ever found yourself lost in an unfinished manuscript or struggling to stay interested in your own story, the issue might not be your writing skills—it might be your subject. Choosing the right one is the first big step towards writing a book that feels meaningful and compelling.
What Is a Novel Subject?
Your novel’s subject is its core idea—the driving force that informs every character, scene, and plot twist. It’s not the same as the plot itself. While the plot is what happens, the subject is what your story is really about. Think of it as the heartbeat of your novel, the reason it exists in the first place.
For example, in Pride and Prejudice, the plot revolves around the romantic entanglements of Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy. But the subject? That’s social class, pride, and the challenges of marriage in 19th-century England. In 1984, the plot follows Winston Smith’s quiet rebellion against a totalitarian regime, but the subject is the dangers of surveillance, government control, and the loss of individuality.
Why Does It Matter?
A strong subject makes writing easier because it gives you a clear sense of purpose. It keeps your story focused, helps develop themes, and ensures that your characters and events serve a larger meaning rather than just filling pages. Without a solid subject, a novel can feel aimless or shallow.
Think of it this way: A good subject gives your novel weight. It makes readers care, not just about what happens next but about what your story means. If you’ve ever finished a book and felt like it stuck with you long after reading, chances are it had a powerful subject at its core.
A clear subject can also guide your decision-making as you write. When you hit a crossroads—do you introduce a new subplot, kill off a character, or alter the setting?—your subject can help you choose the path that aligns best with the heart of your story. This clarity of purpose is invaluable, keeping your narrative cohesive and intentional.
How to Find the Right Subject for Your Novel
So, how do you choose a subject that will sustain an entire novel? Here are a few ways to find one that excites you and will resonate with your readers.
1. Start with What Fascinates You
The best novels come from writers who are genuinely interested in their subject. If you’re passionate about a topic, it will show in your writing. Ask yourself:
What topics could I talk about for hours without getting bored?
What kinds of stories do I love to read?
What personal experiences have shaped me?
Your subject doesn’t have to be something grand or philosophical—it just needs to be something you care about deeply. Whether it’s personal identity, family secrets, justice, or obsession, passion will fuel your storytelling.
Reflect on your favourite books and what drew you to them. Was it the way they handled relationships, the moral dilemmas, or the setting? Often, these elements point to the subjects that will resonate most with you as a writer.
2. Consider the Questions You Want to Explore
A great subject often comes from a big question. What do you want to understand better? What puzzles or unsettles you? Many writers begin with a question they don’t have an answer to, and the novel becomes their way of exploring it.
For example, if you’re fascinated by the idea of fate versus free will, your novel’s subject might centre around whether people can truly change their destiny. If you’re interested in the impact of technology on human relationships, that could be the foundation of your book.
These questions don’t need immediate answers; in fact, the ambiguity can drive your narrative. As you write, you’ll uncover different angles and insights, deepening the story’s complexity.
3. Look at Common Themes in Your Favourite Stories
If you’re unsure where to start, examine the books, films, and TV shows you love most. What themes keep appearing? Are you drawn to underdog stories? Tales of forbidden love? Psychological thrillers about deception? Identifying patterns in your favourite narratives can point you towards a subject that naturally excites you.
You can also think about genres or topics you haven’t explored yet but have always been curious about. Trying something new can lead to unexpected discoveries and a subject that keeps you engaged throughout the writing process.
4. Test It with a One-Sentence Summary
Once you think you have a subject, try distilling it into a single sentence. This isn’t your plot—it’s the aboutness of your story. For example:
"This novel explores how ambition can drive people to greatness or ruin."
"It’s about the cost of keeping secrets in a close-knit community."
"It examines whether true love can survive decades of separation."
If you struggle to summarise your subject, it may be too vague or unfocused. Keep refining it until it feels clear and compelling. This concise statement can serve as your compass, guiding you back to the core of your story whenever you feel adrift.
Keeping Your Subject Strong Throughout the Novel
Once you’ve chosen a subject, it’s important to weave it through your entire novel. Here’s how:
Character Development – Make sure your characters reflect different perspectives on the subject. If your novel is about ambition, have one character who pursues it at all costs and another who rejects it completely.
Conflict – Use your subject as a source of tension. If your story is about family loyalty, create situations where characters must choose between personal happiness and familial duty.
Symbolism and Motifs – Reinforce your subject with recurring symbols, settings, or imagery. For instance, a novel about memory might use mirrors, old photographs, or timepieces to subtly highlight its themes.
Additionally, keep asking yourself if every scene and subplot contributes to your subject. This doesn’t mean every detail needs to be on-the-nose, but the overall direction of the story should align with your central theme.
The Bottom Line
Choosing the right subject for your novel is one of the most important decisions you’ll make as a writer. A strong subject will keep you engaged through the long process of writing and revision, and it will give your readers something to think about long after they’ve finished the last page.
So, take the time to find a subject that excites you, one that raises questions, challenges assumptions, or explores something meaningful. It’s the foundation upon which your novel will stand.
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