Image by Veronika Andrews Andrews from Pixabay

One of the first questions I ask the writers I work with is “what is the point of the story you want to tell?”. The responses to this question tell me a lot about what a writer knows and feels about their work. Often times, a writer’s first answers to this question can sound rather surface level and part of the initial work we do is to push deeper into what they want their reader to take away from their book.

 A good story needs more than just exciting events or a dazzling setting. At the heart of every memorable novel is a clear purpose, a deeper reason why the story exists beyond the plot. This is what transforms a series of scenes into a powerful journey that resonates with readers.

Stories with purpose help readers connect emotionally, sparking empathy and understanding in ways that facts or action alone never can. Neuroscience shows that when stories engage our emotions and reveal meaningful cause and effect (when things happen for a reason and cause knock on effects for the characters), our brains remember them better and respond more deeply. For fiction writers, tapping into that emotional core means discovering what your protagonist truly wants and why it matters on a human level.

When your story has a clear point, it shapes the way readers see the world and even themselves, creating lasting impact. Without this clarity, a novel can feel like a patchwork of moments, leaving readers confused or disconnected. Finding your story’s purpose is essential in fiction writing, whether you’re working on adult, young adult or children’s fiction. It’s what gives your narrative focus, emotional depth, and staying power.

If you’re stuck in revisions or unsure where your story is really headed, ask yourself what truth or message you want your readers to take away. That is the key to writing a story that not only entertains but transforms. In the crowded world of fiction, stories with heart and purpose are the ones readers remember and the ones that make your voice truly shine.

Here are two questions that will help you uncover your potential takeaway: ·  

If your protagonist could stand in front of the reader and say one truth they’ve learned by the end of their journey, what would it be?

When your reader closes the final page, what do you most want them to feel or realise?