What do you want to convey in your story? I’m not talking about preaching or moralizing, but the concept or idea you want a reader to take away from your story. Theme is personal, yet universal.

Theme might be called an underlying truth or a foundation that will help guide the story. A focus or center. It’s not plot. It’s not necessarily the subject. It might be described as something important that the writer believes applies to the subject. For example, in the Harry Potter stories, a major theme is “good conquers evil.” The theme in the Twilight series might be “true love overcomes all.” These concepts are not stated in so many words. The writer shows the theme instead of telling it.

In a novel there can be multiple themes. i.e. Harry Potter books: “loyalty to friends,” “hard work” and “perseverance.” The Twilight novels: “protect your family” and “don’t give up on what you want.”

Often authors have a common underlying theme for their non series books or book series that feature different main characters. One adult author I read comes to mind: LE Modesitt Junior’s books often express the theme of “hard work;” so much so that his characters make me feel lazy. Yet, he’s not preaching at me. Instead his characters believe in hard work and follow through. I become impressed with what they do as I read. Modesitt must also believe in hard work—just look at his number of published novels.

Novelist Larry Brooks says theme helps a book be memorable. “A well-told story pounds on your mind and heart. You intuitively know what it was all about, and on two levels: the plot at hand, and what the story means.” He recommends including your theme in your “What’s your book about?” answer. Read more at http://menwithpens.ca/fiction-writing-story-theme.

Laura Elvin refers to it as the “why of the story” in this article on theme in short stories: http://www.suite101.com/article.cfm/publish_your_short_fiction/30779

Some writers use the terms theme and premise interchangeably. I view theme as general and premise more specific. So back to Harry Potter, a possible premise: “a young good wizard will conquer the evil old wizard.” A premise for the Twilight series might be “if her love is strong enough, a girl can even win the vampire she loves.” It’s the kernel of the story. Premise might also be described as the situation or the central idea of the story.

Jeanne Vincent has an interesting article on the difference between theme and premise. She calls premise an “argument,” but as I read on I find we both agree premise is more focused than theme. She also lists some basic themes and references: http://www.jeannevincent.com/theme-and-premise-whats-the-difference/

Thriller Author and Screenwriter Alexandra Sokoloff talks about the premise being the pitch for the story, but first it is a map to help you write your story. She explains in detail what should be included in your premise/pitch. http://thedarksalon.blogspot.com/2008/05/whats-your-premise.html

Linda Martin talks about themes and thematic categories in this article that focuses mainly on magazine pieces: “Themes in Children's Fiction” http://www.literature4kids.com/themes-in-childrens-fiction

However, whatever you call them, these concepts are necessary for a compelling story. You may use them unconsciously as you write, or you may have to plan. But knowing your theme and premise will help you focus your story and make it stronger.