Three Writing Tips To Engage Your Readers and Keep Them Reading
Imagine you’re on a plane reading a book. You’re about to reach your destination, and you think, I don’t want to land yet because I want to keep reading! How do we write that kind of book — the book that is so engaging our readers don’t want to stop reading? Engaging writing is writing that compels your reader to keep reading. Let’s look at three tips to write in a way that is engaging.
1. Engaging writing is relevant to the reader.
We always have to think about what is going to make readers choose to read our book. Readers of Christian nonfiction are often looking for a book to show them how to deal with a problem or struggle. They want our perspective and lessons, but then they want to know how that is relevant to their situation.
Our book is never about ourselves, the writer, even if we’re writing a personal story. When I tell my story — for example, a story about the struggle of grief — I have to think, what part of being vulnerable with this struggle will help readers in their hard place? I include those parts of the story, not every detail.
2. Engaging writing is specific, not general.
In other words, in our writing we want to follow this guideline: show; don’t tell. “Showing” writing is specific and includes things like stories, lists, examples, research, Scripture and analogies. The opposite of that is “telling” writing, meaning that it’s more general and simply informs readers. We need both types of writing, but “showing” should outweigh “telling” writing. Let’s look at an example that illustrates the difference.
What does your heart long for? For many years, I didn’t think about my heart’s desire because I believed some lies about how a Christian woman should approach her longings. A few lies that come to mind are: 1) I’m selfish if I follow my heart’s desire. 2) I should focus on others, not myself. 3) I’m too busy working, taking care of my family, and ministering to others to think about what I long for. Do any of these ring true to you?
Do you see the difference? The telling writing introduces an idea. And then the “showing” writing — in this example, the list — makes it more specific and, thus, more engaging.
3. Engaging writing has a strong writing voice.
Think about how you can identify people simply by hearing their voice. In the same way, our readers can say this sounds like this writer, not that writer. A strong writing voice means our personality comes through our writing — maybe our compassion or humor. A writing voice can also be distinguished by our writing style — is it more formal or conversational? Filled with Scripture verses or not many? These are just a few stylistic choices. It takes time and practice to develop our writing voice.
There are so many options competing for readers’ attention, so let’s make sure we engage them and keep them reading our Christ-centered messages. Our readers will be encouraged and inspired to apply the message to their lives and grow closer to God in the process.
Blessings,
Melanie Chitwood
Look at the rough draft of a devotion or chapter you’ve written. Can you revise to add these three tips about engaging writing?
I really like #2. Show and tell. Show being the star of the story. I’ve been studying CS Lewis work for years and one of the things I love about his work is that he uses these unique storytelling techniques to push you into your own contemplative thoughts about the subject. He (tells) the fictional story but he tells it in a way that it (shows) you through your own deep thinking how it relates to you as a Christian. Then the Bible studies use scripture to build on the message. Ive never put this into perspective but now I believe it’s exactly why his writings are so engaging.
Great tips!! Thank you❤️.
I loved “Our book is never about ourselves, the writer, even if we’re writing a personal story.” It took me a very long time to realize writing was not about accolades or being prideful, but about being vulnerable and willing to share my story so that others don’t feel alone. With that perspective, I am finally able to move forward.
Thank you for the confirmation!
This was very helpful.
I love tip #2 where you talk about “showing” versus “telling.” I think when we “tell” people things, it can turn them off as we may come off as judging or not understanding the issue. When when we “show” by explaining how this affected us or by scripture and trusted advisors’ wisdom, they felt seen and heard.