Writing about passionate subjects is not limited to non-fiction genres. In addition to the above listed genres, Influence Publishing has also published fictional titles with inspirational messages. Many of our fictional titles are inspired by true stories as well as real passions of the authors. Fiction frequently blurs the lines of imagination and reality. The most intriguing fiction books often incorporate elements of the subjects the author is passionate about. It is possible to write a completely imagined fiction novel with very little that is relatable to real life—think fantasy, for example. However, any fiction book that Influence Publishing is interested in developing will be likely to have been extracted from real life events.

The most genuine, well-rounded, and realistic characters are those who derive morals, personality traits, and experiences from either the author or from people whom the author knows. The author is able to incorporate these aspects into fictional characters because they are well acquainted with the consequences, motivations, and activities associated with these personalities. These kinds of fictional books tend to be very believable, so their readers take them more seriously than they might in the case of a fictional book that they cannot relate back to their own lives.

Sometimes the task of communicating an experience or moral through a book is less daunting when there is the option of writing it in a fictional book. It is also a good way to protect family members or friends/enemies that you do not want to name in your book. You can create a character of a different name and even change the sex or their location so they will not recognize themselves in your story. Many fiction writers find it useful for plot and character development to integrate their own life experiences into their story. Although authors may want to separate their own morals and life events from their characters, this integration actually helps to make characters more realistic and genuine. When characters’ beliefs and activities stem from real life, and the author integrates people and events that they are passionate about in their own lives into their novels, this adds more depth to their fictional book.

Many of Influence Publishing’s fictional titles are based around events that changed their authors’ lives. Some of them recount the author’s journeys to foreign lands, while others observe societies and the interactions of multiple cultures. Even though a book is fictional in genre does not diminish the amount of inspirational impact the book can have upon a reader. In fact, creative non-fiction stories are sometimes easier to follow, contributing to their influential effects upon the reader. As long as the author is writing about their passion in their fictional book, there is no doubt that the story will be solid, the plot will be believable, and the characters will be relatable and realistic. The fictional book is just another option to help writers inspire the world with their stories.

This is an excerpt from the E-Book “All you ever wanted to know about publishing your book” by Amy O’Hara. The content is inspired by the InspireABook® program. You can claim your free copy of the book by signing up for our newsletter or registering for our free webinar.