Word count so far: 14,153.
When I began this series, my intention was to tell a story that was engaging and suspenseful, a story that was written in an epic space opera backdrop, but eventually lead the reader on a journey of faith. I think I’m getting there.
The first novel, The Terminarch Plot, is completely devoid of any faith issues or faith subtext save a few little hints that are dropped at opportune moments. I designed it this way to make my story slowly build to include an allegory of faith issues, namely being a Christian in an increasingly non-Christian world.
My main character is not of any faith, but throughout the second novel Providence begins to show Himself in faint hints here and there, but I am making sure it is not just coincidence. However, I am playing with the idea that coincidence can sometimes be seen as Providence and vice-versa, and this should make for an interesting subtext to the entire series as more and more secrets are revealed.
And there are plenty of secrets.
I guess the lesson here, dear writer, is that even though our novel may have much on the surface of action, intrigue, romance or horror, in order for it to be memorable one must insert some kind of subtext that is perhaps a “soap box” for the writer. Think of that thing that makes you irritated or annoyed about what it is to be human and find a way to share that with readers with the utmost subtlety.
In this way, you will ensure that readers come back to read other things you write. It’s what makes me buy more books by the same author.
Writing Is Hard Work 
Keep on writing.
Don’t forget the merchandising. Give him a furry pet or cute robot sidekick so the action figures will appeal to the younger demographic!
Good ideas on subtext. The best way ive seen it explained is to make sure the characters aren’t just the author’s mouthpieces and puppets on a soapbox lecturing, but that the action of the book (and the act of writing it) seek to dramatize and bring realness and urgency to the central question about how life is or how it should be like, and by the ending come closer to a deeprr understanding, for the characters, the reader and the author.
My thoughts exactly. The last bit, not the action figure bit. However, if there are action figures, they must all have the face of Patrick Stewart for some reason.