Using Fiction Techniques to Enhance Your Nonfiction Story

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There are some genres of nonfiction that benefit from the same writing techniques used in fiction novels. Memoirs, autobiographies, biographies, self-help, bible studies, and even devotionals need to create a scene to draw readers in. They do more than just tell a story. They create connections with their readers.

So, how do you elevate your nonfiction book with fiction writing techniques?

Grab a cup of coffee and a comfy chair, and let’s get started.

Create a Great Hook
Just like fiction authors create engaging, suspenseful, and compelling hooks to interest readers and keep them turning the page, a great hook is essential in many genres of nonfiction writing.

Nonfiction readers are picking up your book to learn something, but they also want to be engaged and entertained. They want to connect with you through real-life stories. They want insight gleaned from walking through life in the unique way you have. They want real-life applications to help them grow.

But in order to teach your readers anything, you have to give them a reason to read. That means knowing your audience. The same hook that works for you may not work for me. Going broad or vague here won’t work. You have to know who you are writing to—who you are helping with your message—or you won’t write an effective hook.

Narrow your audience down to that one person you know could be helped by your story. Then write a hook that will give them a reason to turn the page.

Give Readers a Reason to Trust You
Why should readers pick up your book? Why should they trust your advice? Why should they believe in you or what you have to share?

Trust begins with connection. If readers don’t know you, they won’t trust you. If they don’t know you, they won’t listen to you. And the whole point of writing the story God put on your heart is to share it with others, right? To help others benefit from what you have already learned, tested, and found worthwhile.

So, how do you build a connection with someone you’ve never met?

The same way fiction writers build connections between their readers and characters.

You show them who you are as a three-dimensional person with unique strengths and flaws. One who is credible because of what you’ve walked through or equipped yourself with. One who is authentic and vulnerable.

You can do this by asking yourself a few questions.

So what?
You’ve written a book. So what? Why does that matter to the particular audience you wrote for? What’s in it for your reader? What makes your story different from the others on the market?

Answer these questions, and you will begin to build authenticity and connection with your readers.

Who cares?
This is when you need to consider exactly who you are writing to. Not a general audience. Not even a niche group. Think of one person you want to reach with the message in your book. Why would they care about what you have to say?

Answer this question, and you will begin to build trust with your reader. They will feel as though you are speaking directly to them and to their needs.

Why you?
Nonfiction writers need credentials. You are writing to teach something or share a specific message with your audience. If they are to believe what you’re writing, you need to show them you know what you’re talking about.

Answer this question, and you will build credibility.

Set the Scene
Every writer everywhere has heard the admonition, show don’t tell. But perhaps as a nonfiction writer, you didn’t see how it would pertain to you. The truth is, if you are writing a memoir, biography, devotional, or bible study, your message will be much more impactful when you utilize this fiction writing technique.

Look for feeling words (scared, tired, happy), thinking words (pondered, considered, realized), linking verbs (become, seem, appear), to be verbs (am, is, are, was, were, be, been, being), or adverbs (excitedly, timidly, angrily) in your writing. These are often indicators of telling rather than showing.

That’s not to say that telling is all bad. Telling in some capacity is necessary. However, when it jars the reader out of the story, it may be time to implement your fiction writing techniques.

Consider how you can use the five senses to create vivid imagery that will engage and entertain your readers. Perhaps you even want to create a list of your favorite sensory words as you work through your story and look for ways to show your readers what you experienced and how your experience can help them.

This may be where a great editor or writing group can help you. They can help you see each scene objectively.

 You want detail, but it has to be the right kind and the right amount.

Getting an outside perspective can be the key to nailing this technique, engaging readers, and building connections. Ask them to look for areas that can be enhanced with a bit of sensory detail, so you can satisfy readers while sharing your message.

Dialogue can also be a great tool to draw readers into the scene. Are there places where you can show readers the emotion or action of the scene through dialogue?

Nonfiction readers aren’t all that different from fiction readers. They want to experience events through the eyes of the character. In this case, you.

They want to feel the struggles. Experience the suspense and tension. Celebrate the breakthroughs. And they want to do it as though they were walking the path with you.

So, whether you are writing a short devotional or a full-length memoir, take your readers on the journey with you. Write scenes that are compelling and full of detail. Show them. Don’t tell them.

Conclusion: Enhancing Your Nonfiction Story
Nonfiction books aren’t just about giving information.

They inspire, teach, and encourage.

They share truth and conviction.

They help others forge a better path, overcome obstacles, and gain clarity.

They create conversation and community.
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And when you add the elements of fiction to enhance the connection with your readers, you elevate your message and leave a lasting impact on your readers. 
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