Making Money by Writing Inspirational Stories

Would you like to make money writing inspirational stories? While the options for non-fiction writing are much more numerous, it is possible to earn money writing inspirational stories. There are basically two paths to take as an inspirational story weaver: fiction and non-fiction.

Writing Inspirational Fiction

The fiction path involves writing inspirational novels or movies, like The Karate Kid, Radio, Fireproof, or Facing the Giants. These stories are aimed straight at the heart, and are designed to give audiences a great emotional ride.

As a fiction writer, you want to build a name for yourself by blogging about fiction in your related genre -- and providing your growing fan base with news on your own fiction projects. Authors Wayne Thomas Batson and James Somers both do this, as well as numerous other fiction authors. You may consider starting with short stories in magazines or anthologies (an option popular with fantasy and science fiction), which will make it easier to build up toward a full-fledged novel or screenplay.

Perhaps the most popular inspirational story theme is that of the underdog. In such a plot, the main character (i.e., protagonist) is at a clear disadvantage to the antagonist and, says Ronald Tobias, is "faced with overwhelming odds." In 20 Master Plots and How to Build Them (Cincinnati, Writer's Digest Books, 1993), Tobias explains that the underdog plot is "near and dear to our hearts because it represents the ability of the one over the many, the small over the large, the weak over the powerful, and the 'stupid' over the 'smart'."

The key to successful inspirational fiction (and pretty much any fiction story) is character. Who is your lead protagonist? Will the audience root for him or her? In Mr. Smith Goes to Washington, the protagonist is a sincere, likable, but naive idealist named Jefferson Smith, who is unwittingly chosen by a ruthless political machine to replace a corrupt senator. When Smith learns of the corruption, we feel his sense of betrayal and outrage and, at the same time, relate to the overwhelming "one man against the world" odds he faces.

In the independent hit film Fireproof, we meet Caleb Holt, a brave firefighter, who is trapped in a loveless, grinding marriage. Many audiences relate with Holt, because - let's face it - there are quite a few unhappy marriages out there. Connection with the character is essential in fiction.

Taking the audience on a journey with the character is also crucial. As Fireproof unfolds, we peel back the layers of Holt's personality to reveal someone who is angry and selfish. These are qualities we don't like in others, but the beauty of Fireproof is it forces the audience member to examine himself. The truth is that most people are inherently selfish, and the movie hits that theme pretty hard.

By the time Holt makes his life-changing discovery, the audience is completely in his court. They desperately want him to save his marriage, because doing so, gives them hope in overcoming their personal challenges, whether they be marital problems or something else.

In Forrest Gump, Tom Hanks' character is a mentally challenged, but thoroughly honest and good-willed underdog thrown into a turbulent world of complexity and change. While most audience members are more intelligent and socially skilled than Gump, they nevertheless appreciate Gump's ability to rise above his limitations and the forces working against him. He succeeds in life, due to his basic, simple outlook of fairness, honesty, and perserverance.

If you take the fiction route, I recommend you stock your library with Writer's Market 2009, 20 Master Plots by Ronald B. Tobias, and The Anatomy of Story by John Truby. And, of course, read lots of inspirational fiction.

Writing Inspirational Non-Fiction

Non-fiction writers specializing in inspirational stories are "true-story" writers. One of the most popular markets for "true-story" inspiration writing is Reader's Digest. Other options include the Christian market, "true-story" screenplays (Radio, The Rookie, Cool Runnings, etc.), and books like Chicken Soup for the Soul.

Authors and screenwriters who bring true stories to life must get permission from those behind the real story before taking it to print or putting it on the Big Screen. The exception to this is if you're culling the pages of history, and dealing with people that are.....well....dead.

Since novel-writing and screenwriting are very competitive, most inspirational non-fiction writers take more direct routes to bringing in cash. These include magazine article writing (based on interviews with the real-life characters or research into historical events), online writing (based on interviews and research) or brief story vignettes that can be sold as "inspirational anecdotes" to public speakers, pastors, etc.

Regarding that latter example, a person could set up a blog or website that provided short, inspirational stories perfect for speeches and sermons. They could be offered for free and the writer makes money via Google Adsense or by building and email list (and then marketing to it).

A non-fiction, inspirational writer who does not want to be bothered with legal agreements, tracking down people, interviews, etc. should look into the pages of history. As alluded to before, dead people won't sue you. So, get out that old history book and start reading.

A couple suggestions would be to read 1776 by David McCullough and the two-volume America: The Last Best Hope by William Bennett. Some scholars may dismiss these books as being too "feel-good" in nature, but that's the point of this exercise. If you're looking for ideas for feel-good, inspirational stories, these two books will provide them.

If you prefer watching TV, stop watching Seinfeld and Friends re-runs and head over to The History Channel. Watch it with your notebook at the ready. You'd be surprised what kind of inspirational ideas you come up with. Just be sure to go after pre-20th century ideas, since you probably won't have to mess with permissions and legal agreements in that case. Though, if you're in doubt, consult an attorney.

You can make money by writing inspirational stories. You just have to be creative, hard-working and persistent. If inspiring people is what you want to do, then don't let anything stand in your way.