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How to develop a theme before writing a novel?

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Question added by Samar Saleh , Community Manager , Bayt.com
Date Posted: 2015/07/28
Hasnain Shafqat
by Hasnain Shafqat , Chief Executive , Hasnain Shafqat & Co

First of all the confusion between a theme and plot has to be removed. The theme is the primary subject or genre of the Novel and the writer usually has one in mind beforehand. The examples of theme can be romance, politics, crime, spirituality and many more. So I understand that the basic question is how to develop the plot of a Novel, which is primarily the story line.

The plot of a novel justifies the theme and is usually broken into the following sections:

1- The beginning; 

2- The introduction to the problems;

3- Events leading to the climax;

4- Climax;

5- Post climax events; and

6- Conclusion.

All sections are independent nodes woven together with the main plot. I call a section independent as each one has to be developed on a stand alone basis preferably with mild considerations to all the aforesaid sections within it.  

A novel, owing to its extended length, is made up of sub plots. Remember, in a novel all characters are central characters in their own right; so the sub plots weave together to verify the main plot and the theme. 

However, developing the story line is completely the responsibility of the writer. The rule is to keep it logical backed with comprehensive research. Its but logical to be a thorough reader of authentic novels before one picks up the pen.

Hope this brief summary is helpful to you. Best of luck.

 

Murali Raman
by Murali Raman , Creative Director , Liases Foras

By creating the characters, and charting out the plot, before fleshing out the theme; and very often, listening to your gut about what moves you most!

Maymona Sharkiah
by Maymona Sharkiah , مشرف تربوي، مدرب في المجال الإداري والتربوي , ثانوية الفاروق

Before I start to write a note I emajin wath iit well hapin, what is the subject of the novel then I star

It is very important to take note of the writing of the story slide intended speech, and thus can be listed events and dialogue that meets the target to be connected to the target segment.

عبدالعليم محمد محمد حمزاوي حنفي
by عبدالعليم محمد محمد حمزاوي حنفي , مدرس لغة عربية ابتدائي واعدادي , تراست الدولية

The idea comes from meditation and maybe you only need a chance

نصيرة بورقعة
by نصيرة بورقعة , أستاذ لغة ألمانية , وزارة التعليم العالي والبحث العلمي

To develop any subject, before writing, start by choosing the heroes for this novel, then visualizing the general scenes and main events. Drawing the outline of this story and its path will be the most important thing to start writing. Then surrender to the imagination accompanied by the inspiration of the writer and his style and language, to climb the sky of creativity.

GOWHAR BASHIR
by GOWHAR BASHIR

WHAT YOU LOVE TO WRITE FIRST UNDERSTAND THAT THEN DEVELOP A THEME ON THAT LIKE ROMANCE, TRAGEDY, COMEDY, SATIRE,  

Bolanle Ojo
by Bolanle Ojo , Volunteer Teacher , Non-governmental organisation

Know your target audience and whether you want the story to be comedic, romantic, mysterious, or horrific. As your story continues, it will eventually evolve around a theme. It is best however, to have a theme that drives the narrative.

Ralph Nicoloff
by Ralph Nicoloff , SALES CONSULTANT/INTERIM MANAGER , ANTHONY SQUIRES

The best way is to come up with a theme, that is something that you know about.Once you've achieved this,then you can be more diverse in content.

Hasan Farid
by Hasan Farid , Head of the Department , Shah Makhdum College

Its not simple, very complex matter to theme making a novel. At first for developing a novel theme I want to gather experience in field to develop plot and main character.

Annaliza Francisco
by Annaliza Francisco , Accounting staff , The good samaritan colleges

Just pick a topic that mostly interests you and that you are somewhat omniscient about.

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