Uploaded January 2021 | Updated September 2026, 11 hours ago

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So I was reflecting on my writing projects and I realised - I seem to be writing the same story.

While the individual characters and worlds are different, common themes keep coming up. My antagonists tend to be parental figures (particularly fathers). Sibling relationships are at the heart of my stories. 'With great power comes great responsibility' is a recurring theme in my world building and macro conflict. And in every dark night of the soul I've written or outlined, I've locked my characters up.

Then I noticed that VE Schwab, one of my favourite writers, does the same thing. I've read at least three of her books that have 'hard girl/soft boy' dynamics for the main POV characters. I've also noticed evangelical motivations behind her villains in another three of her books. Yet I still like most of her books.

So I'm wondering - is this a problem? While any writer will likely have themes she wants to keep exploring, when does it become a problem? Let me know your thoughts!

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