Using other people’s stories can be a powerful way to convey your message and connect with readers, especially when you’re unable or choose not to use your own personal stories.
There are several reasons why a writer may be unable or unwilling to use their own story in their writing:
Privacy Concerns: Some writers may have concerns about privacy and prefer to keep personal details or experiences private, especially if they involve sensitive or intimate topics. They may choose to respect their own privacy boundaries and refrain from sharing personal stories in their writing.
Emotional Distress: Writing about personal experiences can be emotionally challenging and may bring up painful memories or trauma. Some writers may not feel ready or comfortable exploring these emotions on the page and may choose to focus on other topics instead.
Legal or Ethical Considerations: Writers may face legal or ethical considerations that prevent them from sharing certain aspects of their personal story. This could include concerns about defamation, invasion of privacy, or confidentiality agreements that restrict what they can disclose publicly.
Cultural or Familial Expectations: In some cultures or families, there may be expectations or taboos surrounding the sharing of personal stories in public settings. Writers may feel pressure to adhere to these cultural or familial norms and choose to respect these boundaries in their writing.
Desire for Objectivity: Some writers may prefer to maintain a sense of objectivity and distance from their subject matter, particularly if they are writing about controversial or contentious topics. They may believe that using their own story could introduce bias or undermine the credibility of their writing.
Focus on Universal Themes: Writers may choose to focus on universal themes and experiences rather than their own personal story in order to make their writing more accessible and relatable to a wider audience. By using stories that resonate with readers from diverse backgrounds, they can create a more inclusive and impactful narrative.
Artistic Choice: Ultimately, the decision to use or not use one’s own story in writing is a personal and artistic choice. Writers may have their own reasons for choosing to incorporate or exclude personal stories from their work, and these decisions should be respected and understood within the context of their creative process.
Here’s how you can effectively use other people’s stories to drive your point home in a non-fiction Christian book:
By using other people’s stories thoughtfully and respectfully, you can enrich your non-fiction Christian book with diverse perspectives and insights, ultimately helping readers connect more deeply with the message you’re conveying.
When incorporating other people’s public stories into a non-fiction Christian book, it’s essential to do so ethically and responsibly.
Here are some ethical guidelines to follow:
Select Relevant Stories: Choose stories that are relevant to the themes, concepts, or lessons you want to convey in your book. Look for stories that resonate with your target audience and illustrate the key points you’re trying to make. Ensure that the stories align with the overall message and tone of your book.
Seek Permission: Always seek permission from the individuals whose stories you want to include in your book, especially if they are identifiable. Obtain written consent that clearly outlines how their story will be used, including any potential edits or adaptations.
Respect Privacy and Confidentiality: Respect the privacy and confidentiality of individuals by anonymizing their stories whenever possible. Avoid sharing sensitive or personal information that could potentially harm or embarrass the individuals involved unless you have explicit permission to do so.
Provide Context and Attribution: Provide context and attribution for the stories you include, acknowledging the individuals who shared them and providing appropriate credit. Clearly indicate whether the stories are based on real-life experiences or fictionalized accounts. Offer context and background information to help readers understand the significance of the stories you’re sharing. Explain why you’ve chosen to include these particular stories and how they relate to the topics you’re discussing. Provide any necessary details to help readers fully grasp the meaning and impact of the stories.
Obtain Verifiable Information: Verify the accuracy and authenticity of the stories you include to ensure that they are truthful and factually correct. Avoid embellishing or exaggerating details for dramatic effect, as this can undermine the credibility of your book.
Maintain Authenticity: Even though you’re using other people’s stories, strive to maintain authenticity and honesty in your writing. Present the stories truthfully and accurately, respecting the integrity of the individuals involved.
Respect Cultural and Ethical Considerations: Be mindful of cultural sensitivities and ethical considerations when sharing other people’s stories, especially those related to sensitive topics such as trauma, illness, or personal struggles. Obtain informed consent and handle the material with sensitivity and compassion.
Use Stories to Illustrate Key Themes: Use other people’s stories to illustrate key themes, concepts, or principles in your book in a respectful and meaningful way. Ensure that the stories contribute to the overall message and purpose of your book, adding depth and relevance to the narrative.
Protect Against Misuse or Misrepresentation: Avoid using other people’s stories in a way that could be perceived as exploitative, manipulative, or misleading. Be transparent about how the stories will be used and ensure that they are presented in a responsible and respectful manner.
Consider Alternatives: If obtaining permission for the use of other people’s stories is not feasible, consider using fictionalized accounts or composite characters to illustrate similar themes or experiences. However, be transparent about the creative liberties taken and avoid misleading readers about the nature of the material.
Highlight Universal Themes: Look for stories that contain universal themes or experiences that readers can relate to and learn from. Focus on the emotions, challenges, and insights conveyed in the stories, rather than the specific details of the individuals’ lives. Highlight the broader lessons and principles that emerge from the stories.
Offer Reflection and Application: After sharing each story, offer reflection questions or prompts to help readers process and apply the lessons learned. Encourage readers to consider how the stories resonate with their own lives and experiences, and to reflect on how they can incorporate the lessons into their faith journey.
Acknowledge Sources: Provide proper attribution for the stories you’re sharing, acknowledging the individuals or sources from which they originated. Give credit where credit is due, and avoid presenting other people’s stories as if they were your own. Be transparent about the sources of the stories and the context in which they were shared.
Overall, the ethical use of other people’s public stories in a non-fiction Christian book requires careful consideration, respect, and integrity. By following these guidelines, you can incorporate compelling stories into your book in a way that honors the individuals involved and enriches the reader’s experience.
Training by: Dr. Muthoni Mercy Omukhango
Your task as a Christian writer is not merely to gather powerful material. Your task is to handle truth faithfully. Even when a story is public, you should not treat it as raw material to add to your chapter. You should use it only when it truly serves your reader and supports the lesson God has placed on your heart.
These examples are built around three simple principles that also appear in Jesus Killed My Business: But Gave Me His. The book is mainly personal testimony, but it still gives you useful models for ethical use of public material.
1. Use public stories to give context, not to take over your message
One of the clearest examples in the book appears in Chapter One. The writer refers to the Pentecostal movement in Kenya, mentions public figures such as Billy Graham and T. L. Osborn, and explains the Full Gospel background before returning to her own family, church setting, and calling story.
This teaches you an important lesson. You may use public history or public stories to help your reader understand the environment in which your own story happened. That is ethical because you are not pretending that public history is your own experience. You are not borrowing greatness from famous names. You are simply giving enough background to make your own testimony clearer.
So when you write, you should ask yourself whether the public story is helping the reader understand your point, or whether it is distracting from it. If the reader remembers the public figure but forgets your lesson, then you may have given the supporting material too much space.
A public story should act like a lamp. It should bring light to your message. It should not become the entire room.
2. Acknowledge influence honestly
Another example appears near the beginning of the book, where the writer openly says that one reflection was inspired by Jesus Killed My Church by Randy Bohlender.
This matters because ethical writing requires honesty about influence. You may read a book, hear a sermon, encounter a reflection, or learn from another writer in a way that shapes how you later express your own message. There is nothing wrong with that. In fact, all writers are shaped by what they read and hear. The problem begins when you hide that influence and present it as though it came entirely from you.
As a Christian writer, you should be especially careful here. Your credibility depends not only on what you say but also on how truthfully you handle sources, ideas, and influence. If a phrase, structure, reflection, or framing concept clearly came from another person’s published work, you should acknowledge it appropriately.
This does not weaken your authority. It strengthens your integrity. It tells your reader that you are a trustworthy steward of ideas.
3. Separate another story from your own application
A third example appears in the way the book uses Jacob’s story. Across the chapters, the writer retells biblical events and then connects them to her own life, struggle, and calling. She does not pretend that her life is identical to Jacob’s life. Instead, she recognises a spiritual pattern and draws a careful application.
This is a very important lesson for your own writing. When you use another person’s story, whether biblical or public, you should not collapse the two stories into one. Their story remains their story. Your lesson from it remains your lesson.
You must therefore learn to retell faithfully first and apply carefully second. That means you honour the original account before drawing your conclusion. You do not overstate the similarity. You do not make yourself the centre of someone else’s story. You simply show the reader the connection with humility and clarity.
This protects your writing from manipulation. It keeps your voice balanced. It also helps your reader trust you.
Conclusion
These three examples give you a strong working rule for non-fiction Christian writing.
- You may use public stories to provide context.
- You should acknowledge influence honestly.
- You must separate the original story from your application.
If you remember those three things, you will already avoid many common writing mistakes.
Mistakes you should avoid
- One mistake is using another person’s public story simply because it is dramatic. A story may be powerful, emotional, and memorable, but that does not automatically mean you should use it. If it does not serve your message, leave it out.
- Another mistake is overusing background information. You may begin with a helpful public example, but if you linger too long in it, your own chapter loses focus.
- A third mistake is failing to acknowledge influence. If your thinking was shaped by a public source in a clear way, do not act as though the idea was born entirely within you.
- Another mistake is careless comparison. You should not force your life into another person’s experience just to make your writing sound deeper.
- Finally, you should avoid using public stories in a way that feels exploitative. Even when something is public, you should still ask whether you are using it respectfully, fairly, and with purpose.
Questions you should ask before using a public story
- Before you include another person’s public story in your writing, pause and ask yourself a few questions.
- Are you using this story because it truly serves the reader, or because it sounds impressive?
- Have you made it clear that the story belongs to someone else?
- Have you kept the details fair and accurate?
- Have you acknowledged the source or influence where needed?
- Have you returned to your own lesson clearly and quickly?
If you cannot answer those questions well, you should revise that section before moving on.
When you finish, check whether the public story served your message, whether you handled it honestly, and whether your own lesson remained clear.
Getting Started: Publishing Books
Preparing to Write/Publish
Step1: Prepare Yourself to Get Published…
Are you ready to publish your book? Here is how you need to prepare. Have your manuscript ready and explore the oprions available today. If you are stuck in getting it started or finished, there is several ways to get help. Explore and get published today! #RaisingAfricanVoices
Read More
Step2: Let’s Talk About Publishing
The self-publishing landscape has changed considerably in the past two decades with new technologies such as the Internet, and the $1 billion markets continuing to change at a rapid pace. Increasingly, there are numerous alternatives to traditional publishing, and self-publishing is becoming the first choice for writers. #RaisingAfricanVoices
Read More
Step3: Factors to Consider Before Self Publishing
Jesus, while talking to the disciples about following Him, asked them to count the cost. The same Scripture applies to authors today - you have to count the cost from the beginning to ensure you don't stop at some point in your book project's journey. #RaisingAfricanVoices
Read More
Step4a: Requirements for Self Publishing
Are you ready to be published? Use our 4 points check list and tick 'Published Author' box so you can move on to the next God-given assignment... #RaisingAfricanVoices
Read More
Step4b: Publishing Steps – Review
Is your manuscript due for a review towards getting published? The major focus during manuscript review is the general quality of the book. It is important to establish the overall completeness, scope and readership of the manuscript and whether the presentation and accessibility of the book is suitable. #RaisingAfricanVoices
Read MoreElementary Skills: Publishing Books
How to Write
5a: How to Write a Book Dedication
A book dedication is a way for you, the author to bestow a high honor on a person (or a group of people) you wish to praise or otherwise spotlight. This dedication note is often short and usually focused on one person (or a specific group of people). It’s supposed to be personal, rather than professional. It goes on the dedication page, which is in the very front of the book, after the title page. Here's how to write one. #RaisingAfricanVoices
Read More
5b: How to Write a Book’s Foreword
A well-written foreword can function as the ultimate third-party recommendation or endorsement for your book, generating interest and helping when it’s time to market your book. Here’s how to write one. #RaisingAfricanVoices
Read More
5c: How to Write a Book Introduction
Are you stuck on writing your book introduction? Here's how to... Hook the reader right from the beginning with a personal story from your life, a funny story, a joke, or just an interesting fact that causes him/her to want to continue reading. Here’s how to write one. #RaisingAfricanVoices
Read More
5d: How to Write a Book’s Conclusion
If your readers are in the conclusion chapter, it also means they read the whole book, they liked it, and now they want you to wrap it up. So don’t rash it. Give them what they want. Here’s how to write one. #RaisingAfricanVoices
Read More
5e: How to Write an Author’s Bio
People are looking for reasons why they should spend their time reading what you have written. You need to instill confidence in your readers that you are knowledgeable on the subject matter by writing an appropriate bio. Here's how to write one. #RaisingAfricanVoices
Read More
5f: How to Write a Book’s Blurb
A blurb is a short yet descriptive account of the book that goes on the back cover or within the book sleeve of a hardcover book. It includes any information that represents the book best and intrigues the readers and shoppers to pick the book off the shelves. Here's how to write one. #RaisingAfricanVoices
Read More
5g: How to Write an Acknowledgment
An acknowledgment section in a book provides the space to go into lenghty details in thanking the people who were sources of inspiration and support for your book and life. Here'show to write one. #RaisingAfricanVoices
Read More
5h: How to Write a Table of Contents
A table of content shows the things that are held or included in something. In the book industry, it is a list of the chapters or sections given at the front of a book or periodical. Here's how to write one. #RaisingAfricanVoices
Read More
5i: How to Differentiate Between a Foreword and Endorsement
Foreword vs endorsement: what’s the difference? Discover their purpose, placement, length, and how each builds credibility and helps readers choose your book.
Read More
5j: How to Profile Your Target Reader
Learn how to profile your target reader as an African author with simple, practical steps. This guide explains how to define your audience clearly so you can write with focus, use relevant examples, and market your book more effectively.
Read MoreTechnical Skills: Publishing Books
Refining Your Manuscript
6a: How to Write a Devotional
A devotional book is a literary work designed to provide spiritual inspiration, guidance, and reflection for readers seeking to deepen their faith and relationship with God. Get started here. #RaisingAfricanVoices
Read More
6b: How to Write a Captivating Novel
A great novel is a complex interplay of various elements, but some key components often contribute to its greatness. Get started here. #RaisingAfricanVoices
Read More
6c: How to Use Dialogue in Story Writing
Effective dialogue is characterized by authenticity, clarity, and relevance to the story. It should sound natural and believable, reflecting the unique voices and perspectives of the characters. Dialogue tags, such as "said," "asked," and "replied," help identify speakers and maintain clarity in conversations. Get started here. #RaisingAfricanVoices
Read More
6d: How to Use ‘Show Don’t Tell’ in Story Writing
"Show don't tell" is a fundamental principle in storytelling that encourages writers to use descriptive language, actions, dialogue and scenes to reveal information to the reader, rather than simply telling them outright. Get started here. #RaisingAfricanVoices
Read More
6e: How to Elevate a Non-fiction Christian Book to Make it Personal and Engaging
Transforming a flat non-fiction Christian book into an engaging and impactful read requires authenticity and connection. Share your personal testimony, use relatable real-life examples, and offer practical applications to make your message resonate. Being vulnerable about your faith journey fosters trust, while reflective questions and actionable steps encourage readers to apply the lessons to their own lives. Get started here. #RaisingAfricanVoices
Read More
6f: How to Ethically Use Other People’s Public Stories in a Non-fiction Christian Book
Using public stories in your Christian book requires integrity and respect for the individuals involved. Always seek permission where possible, give proper attribution, and ensure the story aligns with your message while preserving the dignity of those featured. Avoid embellishment or distortion for dramatic effect, and focus on presenting truth with grace. By handling stories ethically, you honour both the subjects and your readers while maintaining your credibility as a Christian author. Get started here. #RaisingAfricanVoices
Read More
6g: How to overcome the challenge of mixed languages in writing a manuscript
Writing a manuscript with mixed languages can be both enriching and challenging. To overcome this, establish clear guidelines for when and how to incorporate multiple languages. Use translations sparingly and only where necessary, ensuring they don’t disrupt the reader’s flow. Consider adding footnotes or a glossary for clarity and consistency. Tools like professional editors and language experts can help refine your manuscript while maintaining cultural authenticity. Get started here. #RaisingAfricanVoices
Read More
6h: How to Peer Review Fiction and Non-Fiction Christian Literature Manuscripts
Peer reviewing Christian literature requires a thoughtful approach to ensure the manuscript aligns with Biblical principles while engaging readers effectively. For fiction, focus on character development, plot consistency, and spiritual themes. For non-fiction, assess clarity, theological accuracy, and practical application. Provide constructive feedback, highlighting strengths and offering actionable suggestions for improvement. A thorough peer review not only refines the manuscript but also upholds its spiritual impact. Get started here. #RaisingAfricanVoices
Read More
6i: How to Ensure Diversity and Inclusion in Christian Writing
By embracing diverse voices, ensuring equitable access for underrepresented authors, and encouraging inclusive storytelling, authors and publishers can reflect the richness of God's Kingdom. This includes actionable strategies to amplify marginalized voices, promote cultural representation, and create a more inclusive literary ecosystem. With initiatives like multilingual publishing, fair contracting, and global partnerships, CLC Kenya leads the way in advancing DEI while staying true to Biblical principles. Get started here. #RaisingAfricanVoices
Read More
6j: How to Use External Source Excerpts with Footnotes and Endnotes
Many writers think footnotes and endnotes belong only in academic writing, yet they can strengthen memoir, Christian non-fiction, and reflective books too. Here is a simple guide for African writers, with practical lessons from Jesus Killed My Business.
Read More
6k: How Authors Should Mention Other People in Painful Stories
Learn how authors can write about real people in painful situations with wisdom, honesty, and grace. This post explores how to change names, stay objective, avoid slander, acknowledge personal responsibility, and tell difficult stories in a way that honours truth, protects others, and reflects Christian maturity.
Read More
6l: How to Turn a True Story into Autobiographical Fiction: Practical Steps for Writing Painful Personal History Well
Learn practical ways to turn a painful true story into autobiographical fiction without losing its truth or lessons. This training article helps African writers change names, settings, timelines, and identifying details wisely, especially when writing about trauma involving close relationships, while protecting people and strengthening the story.
Read More
6m: How to Differentiate Repetition from Emphasis: Helping African Writers Strengthen Their Message Without Tiring the Reader
African writers must learn the difference between repetition and emphasis if they want to keep readers engaged. This training article explains how to emphasize key concepts with clarity, rhythm, imagery, placement, and development without exhausting the reader through unnecessary repetition.
Read More
6n: How to Use Transition Paragraphs in Your Writing
Learn how to use transition paragraphs effectively in your writing. This concise guide for authors explains how to introduce a story smoothly, move from story to application, and end one chapter while preparing readers for the next, with simple examples for each.
Read More
6o: How to Paragraph Your Manuscript Well
Learn how to paragraph your manuscript in a simple, clear way. This short guide teaches authors to keep one paragraph to one idea, avoid crowding thoughts, and use clean paragraph breaks, with easy examples for Christian writers.
Read MoreAdvanced Skills: Publishing Books
Going the Extra Mile
7a: Why Should a Non-Fiction Book Have a Subtitle?
A subtitle is a powerful tool for non-fiction books, offering clarity and appeal to potential readers. It provides additional context about the book's content, target audience, and benefits, helping it stand out in searches and on bookshelves. A well-crafted subtitle enhances discoverability, boosts SEO, and communicates your book's value in just a few words. Learn More Here. #RaisingAfricanVoices
Read More
7b: Why is Organising Your Non-Fiction Into Chapters Important?
Organising your non-fiction book into clear, well-structured chapters enhances readability, engagement, and comprehension for your audience. Chapters create a logical flow, making complex ideas easier to digest while guiding readers through your message step by step. A structured layout also improves your book's professional appeal and allows readers to quickly locate topics of interest. Learn More Here. #RaisingAfricanVoices
Read More
7c: Why Self-Edit Your Book Before Submitting it for Publishing?
Self-editing is a crucial step before submitting your manuscript for publishing. It allows you to refine your ideas, correct errors, and enhance the overall quality of your work. A well-edited manuscript not only demonstrates professionalism but also makes the publishing process smoother and more efficient. From grammar to flow and consistency, self-editing ensures your book is the best version of itself before reaching an editor's desk. Learn More Here. #RaisingAfricanVoices
Read More
7d: Why is The Art of the Author Photo Important? Essential Specs for a Professional and Polished Image
Professional photos on a book’s back page play a crucial role in an author’s branding and marketing strategy. Learn More Here. #RaisingAfricanVoices
Read More
7e. Why Professional Layout Is Non-Negotiable for African Christian Authors: Publishing With Excellence
Why professional book layout is non-negotiable for African Christian authors. Learn how industry-standard layout protects your message, credibility, reader experience, and publishing excellence from manuscript to marketplace.
Read More
7f: Book Covers: Why They Matter for Every Author
Your book cover is not decoration—it is your book’s first decision-maker. Discover why covers matter for trust, genre clarity, and sales, plus common mistakes authors can avoid and a practical checklist for creating a cover readers choose, not ignore. Learn More Here. #RaisingAfricanVoices
Read More
7g: Why Consistency in Every Session Matters: Writing Workbooks Well
Learn practical workbook writing tips for African authors, with a focus on consistency in every session. Discover how clear structure, repeated formats, and reader expectations can make your workbook more engaging, professional, and effective.
Read More
7c-practical1: Train Your Ears to Edit: How African Writers Can Listen to Their Manuscripts Using MS Word Read Aloud
Learn how to use MS Word’s Read Aloud feature to listen to your manuscript, catch awkward sentences, improve flow, sharpen dialogue, and edit your writing more effectively as an African author.
Read More
7b-Practical1: Why a Strong Chapter Structure Matters
A well-structured chapter helps your reader follow your message with ease. This simple guide shows writers how to build a chapter that flows from introduction to teaching, story, application, reflection, and prayer.
Read MoreContractual Skills: Publishing Books
Be Informed (Not Legal Advice)
8a: Why Every Author Needs a Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA)
Protect your intellectual property with a Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA) in publishing! An NDA safeguards your manuscripts and creative ideas by establishing confidentiality between authors, publishers, and editors. It ensures your work isn't misused, offers legal protection, and secures your publishing journey. Learn how to prevent unauthorized use of your content, why documentation is essential, and how trusted publishers like CLC Kenya provide sample NDAs to keep your work safe. Don't let your hard work go unprotected—explore the importance of NDAs today! Here’s what you need to know. #RaisingAfricanVoices
Read More
8b: What to Include in the Copyright Page and Complete the Copyrighting Process
Copyright law gives creators of original material the exclusive right to further use and duplicate that material for a given amount of time, at which point the copyrighted item becomes public domain. Here's what you need to know. #RaisingAfricanVoices
Read More
8c: Terms and Conditions for Traditional Publishing/Adapting Existing Books into Other Versions
Adapting existing books into new versions, such as translations, audiobooks, or special editions, requires clear terms and conditions in traditional publishing agreements. These terms outline rights, royalties, and responsibilities for both the author and publisher, ensuring a smooth adaptation process. Properly defined agreements protect the integrity of the original work while maximising its reach and impact across different formats. Here’s what you need to know. #RaisingAfricanVoices
Read More
8d: How to Publish a Book with Multiple Stakeholders: Best Practices for Rights Ownership, Expenses and Recognition
Publishing a book with multiple stakeholders requires clear communication and well-defined agreements to ensure smooth collaboration. Establish ownership rights, allocate expenses transparently, and outline recognition for each contributor's role. Best practices include drafting detailed contracts, maintaining open communication, and resolving disputes amicably. These steps protect relationships while ensuring the book's success. Here’s what you need to know. #RaisingAfricanVoices
Read More
8f. How to Write a Contributor Consent Form for a Memoir Book
Publishing a book with multiple stakeholders requires clear communication and well-defined agreements to ensure smooth collaboration. Establish ownership rights, allocate expenses transparently, and outline recognition for each contributor's role. Best practices include drafting detailed contracts, maintaining open communication, and resolving disputes amicably. These steps protect relationships while ensuring the book's success. Here’s what you need to know. #RaisingAfricanVoices
Read More
8e: How to Get ISBN in Kenya and Other African Countries
Publishing a book with multiple stakeholders requires clear communication and well-defined agreements to ensure smooth collaboration. Establish ownership rights, allocate expenses transparently, and outline recognition for each contributor's role. Best practices include drafting detailed contracts, maintaining open communication, and resolving disputes amicably. These steps protect relationships while ensuring the book's success. Here’s what you need to know. #RaisingAfricanVoices
Read More
8f: How to Ethically and Legally Use Free or Unpaid Images in Your Book
Learn how to use free images for your book ethically and legally by checking licences, reading the fine print on sites like Unsplash and Freepik, and knowing when paid or AI-generated images are the wiser choice.
Read MoreSubscribe for wholesome content!
