by Katy Kauffman     @KatyKauffman28

Stories are powerful tools for the nonfiction writer. They grab the reader’s attention, add personality to our writing, and illustrate the point we’re trying to make. Whether we’re writing a blog post, an article, or a book, how do we know which story is the best to use?

I don’t how many times I’ve spent hours researching details for a story, only to end up choosing a different angle. But the time was well spent. Writing is a process of trying and failing and finding what works. The five hours it can take to write one article becomes five minutes of inspiration and encouragement for our readers, inspiration that impacts their daily living. So perhaps I can help you streamline the time it takes to pick the right story. Ask yourself five questions when you find a good story online or recall one from your own life.

1. Does the story relate well to my topic?

Don’t just pick a story you want to share—pick the story that best relates to your point. If you find a story you love but is not on topic, print it and put it in a special folder, or save it to a folder on your computer called “Story Archive” or something more fun like “My Story Treasure Chest.” Then you can still use the story later!

2. Does the story have the same mood as the rest of my writing?

Each story emits a particular mood or “vibe.” See if the story’s mood matches the mood of your writing—is it encouraging, somber, funny, or satirical?

3. Is the story believable?

For stories you find online, verify the source as credible, and cite any amazing facts or specific statistics. For example, in my first book I used the speed of Usain Bolt, the fastest man alive, to show how quickly we need to turn from temptation. I cited the fact that he could run 26.7 mph so my book remained credible and so readers could check out the story for themselves.

4.Does the story have enough spiritual relevance and impact?

If you are writing about a spiritual principle, make sure the story you select is strong enough to support your point. Is it a big enough diving board for the reader to use to jump into a spiritual mindset and dive into your principle? Think “parable.”

5. Is the story memorable?

Can the reader picture the story happening? Write it like a storyteller would relate it. Choose a scenario that will stir your readers’ emotions, relate an interesting fact, picture a surprising turn of events, put a new twist on an object or a scene they see every day, or recount the path someone took to restoration. Stories of tragedy and triumph are especially memorable, and give us hope.

I may not be able to remember my pastor’s three-point sermons verbatim every week, but I can usually remember the stories he used. Pick a memorable story that will encourage readers and stir them to action long after they’ve closed your book or turned off their tablets.

How do you pick the best stories for your writing? Tell us in the comments below, and happy hunting!

Katy Kauffman is an award-winning author, an editor of Refresh Bible Study Magazine, and a co-founder of Lighthouse Bible Studies. Her first compilation, Breaking the Chains, won a 2018 Selah finalist award. Her next compilation, Heart Renovation: A Construction Guide to Godly Character, releases June 2018. Katy’s writing can be found at CBN.com, thoughts-about-God.com, PursueMagazine.net, two blogs on writing, in online magazines, and on numerous devotional blogs. She loves spending time with family and friends, making jewelry, and hunting for the best peanut butter cookies. Connect with her at her blog and on Facebook and Twitter.