by Katy Kauffman @KatyKauffman28

We all want a happy ending. But no life reaches a happy ending without some conflict. That’s why we need novels and nonfiction books. We want to see someone overcome the odds and win the victory, find their true love, or solve the crime. We want to find proven answers to real-life problems. And so we read. We investigate. We learn, and we grow.

Conflict is key to hooking our readers’ attention. If you’re writing a nonfiction book, you’re tackling an issue your target audience is facing. They’ll want to know what solution you offer to the struggle they’re having. So start your book with some conflict. In your introduction, show the problem you’re offering a solution to. You can do that with one of the four ways listed below. Talk to the reader as a friend, and offer hope.

Here are some tips for how to use conflict to start a nonfiction book.

Make a contrast.

Share a goal (or an ideal) and then introduce obstacles to that goal. Life is full of obstacles, but God doesn’t leave us without resources and help. Plus, He is our greatest resource to help us overcome the problems of life. When you start your book, contrast what you want the reader to shoot for and what can get in the way.

Ask a question.

Asking a question helps your book to have a conversational tone and to get the reader interested in what you’re saying. Start with something like: “Have you ever (tried to do this), but (this obstacle) got in your way?” Or, “Have you ever wanted to (do this), but (something else) steered you off course?” Phrase your question so that the reader can say, “Yes, I’ve tried.” or “Yes, I’ve been there.”

Share a personal story.

Readers need to know that you’ve been there too, that you’ve endured the kind of conflict you’re writing about and you’ve come to the other side (or you’re working on it). Share a story that stays on topic and illustrates the kind of conflict your book covers. Let them feel your struggle and your desire to break free or find relief or figure out how to overcome. Don’t share too much personal detail that brings the focus too much on yourself, but tell enough to let them know you’re a veteran of this conflict. The advice and wisdom you share has been used (by you) and proven.

Use startling statistics.

Numbers and percentages can show that a problem is real and desperately needs to be addressed. However, when we start a book with conflict, we want to be sensitive to the struggles people face. Avoid using statistics or stories to shock. Instead, use them to present a problem and then give hope. Always give hope and a taste of victory.

Victory. As we write, we answer questions that our target audience has. We strive to avoid pat answers, and instead, direct them to God and His Word. We do talk about the struggles we face, but we don’t stay there. We pave a road to victory, using God’s Word and life experiences to show them the way to renewed strength, joy, and freedom.

Which of the four ways to include conflict have you used before? Which one might you try in future writing? Tell us in the comments, and join the conversation!

Katy Kauffman is an award-winning author, an editor of Refresh Bible Study Magazine, and a co-founder of Lighthouse Bible Studies. She loves connecting with writers and working alongside them in compilations, such as Feed Your Soul with the Word of God, Collection 1 which is a 2020 Selah Awards finalist. She recently started The Lighthouse Connection, a monthly writers’ newsletter including writing tips, inspiration to write, and news of submission opportunities.

In addition to online magazines, Katy’s writing can be found at CBN.com, thoughts-about-God.com, and three blogs on writing. She loves to spend time with family and friends, take acrylic painting classes online, and do yard work in the morning sun. Connect with her at her blog, Winning the Victory, and on Facebook and Twitter.