“Write from a Christian worldview,” Linda C. Apple, author of Inspire! Writing from the Soul, encouraged the American Christian Writers at Family Life in Little Rock today. But she also urged Christian writers not to “preach” to their readers.

What wisdom in those words! How many readers (and listeners) do Christians “turn off” with our preaching and religious jargon? Too many, I’m afraid!

In her “creative nonfiction” workshop, motivation speaker and inspirational writer Linda Apple demonstrated how to combine fiction techniques with nonfiction writing with five helpful tips.

·      Show, don’t tell—use sensory descriptions.

·      Describe emotional manifestations—such as facial expressions, gestures, physical appearance, and inner feelings.

·      Add appropriate and believable dialogue.

·      Use internalization or self-talk.

·      Include some take-away value (without a sermon or lecture).

In addition to her book Inspire! Writing from the Soul, Linda C. Apple has contributed to several Chicken Soup for the Soul anthologies, magazines, and devotional guides. Visit Linda’s website and her blogs—

This Southern Gal’s View of the World and Daydreaming on Paper.

Writing Prompts:

Can you think an example of religious jargon that might repel readers? Why?

Which of the five fiction techniques do you find the most difficult to include in your work as a writer?