As a Christian non-fiction author, your desire is to emotionally impact your readers and inspire them to make changes in their lives. “Story Genius” by Lisa Cron provides valuable insights that can help you achieve this goal. Here are three primary takeaways for you, supported by biblical passages from the New King James Version of The Bible.
Takeaway #1: Understand the Inner Conflict of Your Characters
In “Story Genius,” Cron emphasizes the importance of understanding the inner conflict of your characters. As a Christian non-fiction author, you can apply this concept by exploring the struggles and emotions of the people in the stories you tell. By doing so, you can create work that emotionally impacts your readers and inspires them to make changes in their lives.
Consider these biblical passages to support this takeaway:
- Romans 7:15: “For what I am doing, I do not understand. For what I will to do, that I do not practice; but what I hate, that I do.”
This verse highlights the inner conflict experienced by the Apostle Paul, providing a powerful example of the struggles that believers face. By exploring the inner conflict of your characters, you can create work that resonates with your readers and encourages them to examine their own struggles. - Psalm 42:5: “Why are you cast down, O my soul? And why are you disquieted within me? Hope in God, for I shall yet praise Him for the help of His countenance.”
This passage reveals the psalmist’s inner turmoil and his search for hope in God. By understanding the inner conflict of your characters, you can create work that emotionally impacts your readers and inspires them to seek hope in their own lives. - Genesis 32:24-26: “Then Jacob was left alone; and a Man wrestled with him until the breaking of day. Now when He saw that He did not prevail against him, He touched the socket of his hip; and the socket of Jacob’s hip was out of joint as He wrestled with him. And He said, ‘Let Me go, for the day breaks.’ But he said, ‘I will not let You go unless You bless me!’”
In this story, Jacob wrestles with God and experiences a transformation. By understanding the inner conflict of your characters, you can create work that emotionally impacts your readers and inspires them to seek personal transformation.
Takeaway #2: Create an Emotional Connection with Your Readers
Create an Emotional Connection with Your Readers Cron stresses the importance of creating an emotional connection with your readers in “Story Genius.” As a Christian non-fiction author, you can foster this connection by sharing authentic stories and experiences that reflect the emotional journey of the people in your work.
Consider these biblical passages to support this takeaway:
- 2 Corinthians 1:3-4: “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.”
This passage highlights the importance of empathizing with others and sharing our experiences to provide comfort and encouragement. By creating an emotional connection with your readers, you can inspire them to make changes in their lives. - Romans 12:15: “Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep.”
This verse emphasizes the importance of empathy and shared emotions. By creating an emotional connection with your readers, you can help them feel understood and supported in their spiritual journey. - Hebrews 4:15: “For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin.”
This passage illustrates that Jesus Christ, our High Priest, understands and empathizes with our struggles. By creating an emotional connection with your readers, you can remind them of the empathy and understanding they can find in their relationship with God.
Takeaway #3: Craft a Compelling Narrative Arc
In “Story Genius,” Cron highlights the importance of crafting a compelling narrative arc. As a Christian non-fiction author, you can apply this principle by structuring your work in a way that engages your readers and encourages them to follow the spiritual journey presented in your stories.
Consider these biblical passages to support this takeaway:
- Ecclesiastes 3:1: “To everything there is a season, A time for every purpose under heaven.”
This verse emphasizes the importance of timing and structure in our lives. By crafting a compelling narrative arc, you can create work that reflects the natural progression of spiritual growth and change. - Acts 20:24: “But none of these things move me; nor do I count my life dear to myself, so that I may finish my race with joy, and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God.”
In this passage, the Apostle Paul emphasizes his determination to complete the spiritual journey set before him. By crafting a compelling narrative arc, you can inspire your readers to persevere in their own spiritual journeys. - 2 Timothy 4:7: “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.”
This verse shows the satisfaction and accomplishment that come from completing a spiritual journey. By crafting a compelling narrative arc, you can create work that emotionally impacts your readers and encourages them to pursue their own spiritual goals.
“Story Genius” by Lisa Cron offers valuable insights that can help you, as a Christian non-fiction author, create work that emotionally impacts your readers and inspires them to make changes in their lives.
By understanding the inner conflict of your characters, creating an emotional connection with your readers, and crafting a compelling narrative arc, you can produce work that resonates with your audience and encourages personal growth and transformation.
By incorporating these takeaways, supported by biblical wisdom, you can effectively engage your readers and foster a sense of community and shared purpose in their pursuit of a deeper relationship with God and personal change.
