The Em Dash #8
Hey Friend!
I finally finished Wired for Story by Lisa Cron, and it was so informative! It has me thinking about how to use fiction writing principles to write better nonfiction.
I love reading personal development books and business books, but some of them are just plain boring. I keep thinking, “If people thought a little more about storytelling while they wrote their nonfiction books, we’d have a lot more that are actually fun to read.”
So, in case you have been noodling around with a nonfiction book idea, I thought I’d share some things to keep in mind while you’re planning and writing.
1. Treat your reader as the main character of your story, and make their character arc dope.
In a fiction book, the protagonist experiences a transformation by the end of the book. They start the story one way, they’re met with something that disrupts the status quo, and then they go a journey that forces them to change before they can do/be/have what they need at “the end.”
In a nonfiction book, specifically one that solves a problem or teaches a concept, your reader is looking for a transformation. Your story should bring them on the journey that facilitates it.
2. Make sure your book has narrative drive.
This is the concept of bringing your reader on a logical transformational journey, from Point A (the start of the story, when the problem presents itself), to Point B (the end of the story, when the problem is solved).
The key to doing this is to name the point of each chapter and then to get crystal clear on how that point directly leads into the next chapter’s point. The points need to be linked to have drive!
If your reader can’t follow the path you’ve laid out for them, they are going to ditch your words in favor of continuing to binge Suits.
3. Write in your own voice with authority.
Your readers want to hear from YOU. Own the fact that you’re an expert on your topic (you are, after all), and let your passion for that topic (and telling people all about it) draw the reader in.
Even if writing is hard because you’re new to it or just plain don’t like it, you are more than capable of getting your thoughts organized and down on paper.
If you have something important to say, something that can really help your readers learn or be better, well… say that shit with your chest. 😤
Got questions? Not sure if you’re doing these things, or if you even know how to do these things? I may be able to help you figure it out!
Schedule a free 30-min discovery call with me if you wanna chat about your book idea and how to make it awesome.
Mkay, let’s talk resources, shall we?
The Book I’m Obsessed With
Wired for Story: The Writer’s Guide to Using Brain Science to Hook Readers from the Very First Sentence by Lisa Cron
I’m in the middle of this one, but it is soooo good and interesting that I’m willing to recommend it before I even finish it.
Note: This is a bookshop.org affiliate links
Thanks for being here, Friend!
See ya next week. :)
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