Every great novel starts with a solid foundation, and that foundation is the subject. But what exactly does that mean? Many writers jump into a story with an exciting idea, only to lose momentum halfway through.
Often, the problem isn’t with the plot or the characters but with the subject itself—it wasn’t strong or developed enough to sustain an entire book. Let’s look at how you can create a novel subject that keeps your story engaging from beginning to end.
Developing a subject for your novel is much like building a sturdy framework. Without that framework, your story might collapse under its own weight, no matter how compelling the characters or how intricate the plot twists. The subject acts as your anchor, keeping the entire narrative grounded and coherent.
Even if you have a dozen brilliant scenes in mind, without a strong subject, they might feel disconnected and fail to resonate with readers on a deeper level. A well-developed subject is what gives your novel its meaning, its emotional core, and its lasting impact.
What Makes a Good Novel Subject?
Your novel’s subject is its core concept—the big idea that fuels every scene and character interaction. It’s not the same as the plot. The plot is what happens in your book, but the subject is what it’s really about.
For instance, Pride and Prejudice isn’t just about Elizabeth and Darcy falling in love—it’s about societal expectations, personal growth, and overcoming prejudice.
A strong subject helps readers connect with your story on a deeper level.
It provides meaning beyond just an interesting sequence of events, making the novel more memorable and impactful. It also offers a lens through which you, as the writer, can make decisions about character motivations, conflicts, and resolutions.
In other words, your subject isn’t just for the reader’s benefit—it’s a tool that helps you navigate the writing process and maintain a clear sense of direction.
Finding the Right Subject for Your Novel
1. Explore What Interests You
Writing a novel takes time and dedication, so it’s crucial to choose a subject that genuinely interests you. Ask yourself:
What themes or topics do I naturally gravitate towards?
What types of stories excite me the most?
What real-world issues or experiences do I feel passionate about?
If you’re not engaged with your subject, chances are, readers won’t be either. Enthusiasm for your subject will come through in your writing, making it more compelling and authentic. Think about what truly fascinates you and consider how you can explore those interests through the lens of fiction.
For example, if you’re deeply curious about how technology changes human relationships, that curiosity can fuel a novel that explores the intersection of connection and isolation.
2. Ask Big Questions
Many of the most compelling novels are built around questions rather than simple statements. Think about what you want to explore through your story. Some examples:
What happens when power is left unchecked? (Animal Farm)
Can love overcome deep-seated personal flaws? (Wuthering Heights)
How does society shape individual identity? (The Catcher in the Rye)
If your subject revolves around a question, it naturally lends itself to deeper exploration and character development. These questions don’t have to be fully answered by the end of the book, but they should be explored in meaningful ways that engage both you and your readers.
3. Test Your Idea’s Longevity
A great way to check if your subject is strong enough is to see if you can summarise it in one or two sentences. If you struggle to do so, it might be too vague or unfocused.
For example, instead of:
My book is about a detective solving a murder.
Try:
My book explores the impact of justice and revenge through the eyes of a detective investigating a murder that ties back to his past.
A well-defined subject ensures that every part of your story serves a purpose. It becomes the foundation upon which you can build layers of complexity—secondary themes, character arcs, and intricate plots all stem from that core subject.
Keeping Your Subject at the Centre of Your Novel
Once you’ve chosen your subject, the challenge is ensuring it remains central throughout your novel. Here’s how:
1. Character Development
Your protagonist should embody or struggle with your subject in some way. If your novel is about redemption, your main character should go through a journey that forces them to confront past mistakes. Strong character arcs that reflect the subject make a story more compelling.
Additionally, consider how secondary characters can offer contrasting perspectives on the subject, enriching the narrative and creating more nuanced conflicts.
2. Plot Relevance
Every major plot event should tie back to your subject. If you’re writing about ambition, show how ambition influences the protagonist’s decisions, relationships, and ultimate fate. Avoid unnecessary subplots that don’t reinforce the main subject.
Consistency is key. When every plot point contributes to the overarching subject, the story feels more cohesive and satisfying.
3. Symbolism and Imagery
Subtle reinforcement of your subject can make your novel feel richer. If your subject is memory and nostalgia, recurring motifs like old photographs, childhood locations, or forgotten letters can help strengthen the theme without being heavy-handed.
Symbolism not only adds depth but also gives readers visual and emotional anchors to hold onto as they move through the story.
4. Revisiting the Subject During Revisions
As you edit your manuscript, continually ask yourself whether each scene serves the subject. If something feels out of place, consider how you can reshape it to better align with the core theme.
This ongoing evaluation ensures that your novel stays on track and maintains its focus. Over time, this process becomes second nature, allowing you to refine the story until the subject shines through clearly and consistently.
Why a Strong Subject Keeps You Motivated
Many writers abandon their manuscripts because they lose interest in their stories. A well-defined subject acts as a guiding light, keeping you focused and reminding you why you started writing in the first place.
It also makes revisions easier. When editing, you can assess whether each scene contributes to the overall subject. If something feels out of place, ask yourself, Does this align with what my book is really about? If not, it might need tweaking—or cutting altogether.
A strong subject provides a sense of purpose, helping you stay inspired and confident throughout the writing process. By grounding your novel in a well-developed subject, you create a foundation that can support the weight of complex characters, intricate plots, and thought-provoking themes.
Final Thoughts
Choosing and developing a strong novel subject isn’t just a step in the writing process—it’s the foundation of a powerful story. A well-thought-out subject helps guide your characters, structure your plot, and create a deeper emotional impact on readers. So, before you dive into writing, take the time to explore your subject fully.
A strong subject also makes your novel stand out. Readers are drawn to stories that resonate on an emotional and intellectual level, and a well-developed subject is what makes that resonance possible. It’s the difference between a novel that is quickly forgotten and one that lingers in the reader’s mind long after they’ve turned the last page.
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