Vision

The author's vision is the central theme of the story, or the idea that motivates the author to tell the story.  Everything in a novel is there by choice.  Each element of the plot, each character adds to the whole.  It could have been left out, or it could have been told in a different order, or said in a different way.  The decisions of the author are based on the story in his head, combined with all of his life experiences and all of the books he has read. At each moment in the author's life he is unique.  He brings unique experiences, emotions and vocabulary to the writing process.  Several authors may write about a theme, such as lonliness, struggling with poverty, or trying to win approval.  But each author will tell their story uniquely, based on the author's vision.

When you read a novel you are getting a glimpse into the author's vision.  Some novels will resonate with you so much that you submerse yourself in the book and you don't want the book to end.  That shared experience between the author and the reader is powerful.  It contributes to the feeling of one-ness in the human family.  It is a strong motivator for the reader.  He may search for quite some time before he finds another book that speaks to him in the same way.  But he will keep searching, because it was a good feeling he wants to repeat.

If you are a writer, you must tell your story using your vision.  It must be authentic.  If you can do that, there will be readers out there who will find your story and fall in love with it.