THEME VS. STORY

Picture this: You're sitting down to write your next book. You open a blank document (or turn to a blank page in your notebook) and you start to write.

What are you writing?

Most people, specifically those who write fiction, would say "a story." And this would be true. Most of us, when we begin a new project, start with a story in mind. But is it necessary to have a story in mind when we begin a new book? Is it even the best way to start a new project?

In an episode of his podcast, The Tim Ferri...